The seven foundations of self-discipline are: Recognition, Inner-strength, Perseverance, Productions, Doggedness, Resolution, and Diligence.
1). Recognition: Must be able to “see” and “know” what you are trying to create. Must have “vision” and work very hard to keep your eye on the prize… even if the prize is way out there in the future… if so you must break your vision down into small chunks of vision (short clips that build together… short chapters or scenes that when brought together create a book or a movie) and recognize the milestones (natural steps along the journey to the completion of the goal) of achievement.
2). Inner-Strength: When all others get weary you keep going…. When all others are ready to give in, give up, and throw in the towel you are just getting warmed up. Must be willing to recognize and KNOW the cost, and be prepared in your mind (heart) to call up “inner strength” to finish the race. This inner-strength is your special place where you go to get motivated, pumped up, and recharged. Only you know what this place is, and where it is, and you must fight to go there and get what you need to continue.
3). Perseverance: An inner knowledge that pain, agony, and patience are a contradiction to your body and mind. But you have decided that the barriers of pain, agony, and patience are illusions and perceptions, and in reality you can push beyond, push through, and never fail… you might think it is time to quit and give up but in reality you know deep down that you can go twice as far, and that the thoughts of quitting, the thoughts of giving up, the thoughts of the pain are ALL FALSE. Breakthrough, push through, and find new barriers to conquer.
4). Production: Keep score, look at the tangibles, relish the accomplishments along the way…. Get energized from the production, and stop to smell the roses because the journey is long. Periodically schedule some fun, allow yourself to get distracted on the things that matter so that you can get recharged, energized, and refocused. Sense the accomplishment and drink in the victory ALONG THE WAY. Enjoy the little triumph and don’t wait until the end to enjoy the ride.
5). Doggedness: When everyone else falters you get stronger. When everyone else has an excuse you have a testimony. When you sense the thoughts of backing off, backing down, then you push through to the next gear, breaking new barriers, being single-minded with a keen vision of the end. Feel the victory long before you cross the finish line.
6). Resolution: There is only one outcome, there is only one way to live, and without a doubt there is only one possible end…. take no prisoners… offer no surrender… know that you are either going to get it done or die trying. No other possibilities but to finish the race and drink from the cup of victory.
7). Diligence: Its all about the small things, the things that no one sees, that no one cares about, the things that get over looked and counted as being unimportant. You have only one way of doing all things, and that is with excellence as your guide you complete everything to its conclusion. You are patient beyond all others, more knowledgeable than all others, and you don’t back off or slow down unless you are done with the perfection of “every little thing”.
What Is Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline is the ability to dig deep no matter what you think or feel, and to complete the race without care or concern for feelings (both emotional and physical). Its “follow through to the end or die trying, no excuses, and no one will remember the guy that almost finished.” It’s all about the follow through, the details, and the dedication to completing all tasks, all responsibilities, all elements until there is no one else standing. Self-discipline is a decision of the heart to focus on the vision (goal or objective) and never stop until you have arrived. In your mind you know what they end is like, and you don’t stop until it is done, thoroughly, including everything. Self-discipline is a self-reflection of your mental strength, a picture of your determination, and like a canvas it is the painting of your heart’s desire. Self-discipline is a decision that you make in concrete, and like a steel bar it does not bend or break. Self-discipline is a reflection of you, of your mind, of your heart, and it reveals your intention in ways that make words jealous. There is no lying or deceiving when it comes to self-discipline… its walking the talk while “shutting your damn mouth”. Actions are louder than words and outcomes don’t lie. You either show up or you don’t. You either do it or you are a fool liar. No getting around the outcome of your performance…. Self-discipline is a self portrait.
Building Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is surrounded by real flesh and bones…. Because it is a muscle. The more you exercise it the more it grows, the more prominent it glows, the more beauty that it displays… gleaming with sweat, blood, and tears self-discipline is like the stallion who won the race for all the glory.
