Discipline: Keeping the promises you make to yourself

If discipline could talk, it would say it was misunderstood.

In the journey toward success, many attributes are often cited as essential—talent, intelligence, creativity, and even luck. While these are all important, discipline is that one quality that holds everything else together.

However, it is often misunderstood as merely strict self-control or rigid adherence to rules. While self-control is a component, true discipline is much broader and, I’d like to think, more profound. It’s developing that ability to honor the actions that will help you achieve your vision. Discipline is what turns intentions into actions, plans into progress, and dreams into reality.

I see it as keeping the promises you make to yourself, no matter what.

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Stepping into entrepreneurship in style

Before I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, I worked in banking. ?Those who work in ?corporate know that the dress code is a strict one! The power suit is a must! It’s visual tool that conveys seriousness, competency and even power to both your bosses and clients.

So, when I was first started my business, I said to myself that no matter what, I would show up every morning in my power suit. As employee 001 in my own agency, I could only be accountable to myself. I had to set a tone and standard for myself that this was serious, I was serious.

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I did this for 8 months.

Why? That suit was a symbol to me of owning my own business. Every morning, when I would do my final check before heading out, I could see the business woman I wanted to become, and was becoming with each day.? Of course, I had to put in the work but that suit was subconsciously my way of building the mindset to keep showing up and take the business seriously.

Don’t postpone it

How many of us have set goals and made plans only to drop the ball when the moment comes?

We tell ourselves that we will do it another day or that something or someone is “more important.” Now of course, in life things do come up. However, putting off what you need to do to achieve a goal, even with good reason to do so, makes it that much more difficult to actually do it.

Each time you postpone it, it becomes less and less of a priority. Eventually it becomes a lovely bullet point on a to-do list that never gets done – and one that turns in to a discouraging reminder of something we really wanted to do, but didn’t. Without discipline, even the most talented individuals can find themselves falling short of their potential.

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Turning Goals into Reality

Discipline is what bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It’s not enough to set goals; you must have the discipline to pursue them. This pursuit often requires sacrifice—sacrificing time and comfort. However, the rewards of discipline are well worth these sacrifices.?

Consider the story of any successful entrepreneur. Behind the scenes of their success lies a disciplined routine—hours spent planning, executing, and refining their business strategies. They don’t rely on fleeting bursts of motivation; instead, they have developed a disciplined approach that keeps them moving forward, day after day.

Make friends with discipline

Maintaining discipline is not always easy. There will be days when you feel unmotivated, tired, or discouraged. On these days, it’s crucial to remind yourself of your goals and the reasons why you started in the first place. Discipline is about doing the work even when you don’t feel like it.

Here are a few tips:

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals

Clear goals provide direction and purpose, making it easier to stay disciplined. Define your goals in specific, actionable terms. For example, instead of aiming to "get in shape," set a goal to "exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week."

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2. Create a Routine

A routine minimizes decision-making and helps reinforce disciplined behavior. Establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for your key activities. Stick to this routine consistently to make discipline a habit.

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3. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can derail your focus and discipline. Identify common distractions and take steps to minimize them, such as turning off notifications, creating a dedicated workspace, or setting specific times for breaks.

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4. Practice Delayed Gratification

This strengthens your ability to resist short-term temptations in favor of long-term goals. Start small by postponing minor indulgences, like waiting until after completing a task to check your phone, and gradually apply this practice to larger goals.

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5. Stay Accountable

Accountability provides external motivation and helps reinforce discipline. Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or accountability partner. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track and committed to your goals.

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Keep the promise!

While discipline requires effort, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Over time, disciplined actions compound, creating momentum that propels you toward your goals. So, keep the promise to yourself and the dreams you want to make a reality. I may not wear a power suit every day anymore but I did become a businessperson!

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What promise have you kept to yourself? Share your thoughts below.