Discipline: Making This Underrated Superpower Work For You
Ian Kimball
Executive Director of Strategy | Board Member | Technology Investor | Home Finance & Real Estate
Discipline isn’t flashy. It doesn’t grab headlines or get people hyped up like a big breakthrough or a sudden windfall. It’s not the exciting part of success that people talk about. But in my experience, discipline is the foundation for achieving big goals—in business, in leadership, and in life.
Discipline is about focus. It’s the ability to block out distractions, to do the hard things even when you don’t feel like it, and to keep showing up when no one is watching. It’s about tackling the tasks that don’t offer instant gratification but move you forward in the long run. It’s about making the right decisions, not just the easy ones.
In my own life, discipline has been the key to growth. Whether it’s staying committed to a vision, following through on tough decisions, or simply pushing through the inevitable challenges that come with leadership, discipline is what keeps me on track. It’s not always easy, but it’s almost always worth it.
As leaders, discipline isn’t just about personal habits—it’s about setting the tone for those around us. A disciplined leader creates a culture of accountability, consistency, and excellence. It’s about making the right call, even when it’s challenging, and staying committed to long-term success instead of short-term wins.
The reality is, that talent alone isn’t enough. Motivation ebbs and flows. But discipline keeps everything moving forward. If you can develop the habit of discipline, you give yourself the best shot at reaching your biggest goals—no matter what obstacles come your way.
Discipline Starts with a Clear Goal
For me, discipline begins with clarity. You need to know exactly what you’re working toward. Without a clear goal, it’s impossible to prioritize your time, energy, and focus.
Take financial independence, for example. If that’s your goal, you can break it down into smaller, actionable steps:
When you understand the “why” behind the goal, every action becomes purposeful. Discipline isn’t just about grinding through tasks—it’s about tying those tasks to the bigger picture.
The same applies to health. If I want to live an active lifestyle well into my 70s.? That goal shapes my daily habits. Monitoring nutrition and waking up early to run isn’t fun, but I know it’s necessary if I want to climb mountains or stay active in the future. The pain of discipline today is worth the reward tomorrow.
*Ask yourself: Are your daily habits aligned with your long-term goals?
Building Discipline Through Momentum
Discipline doesn’t come from doing big things perfectly—it comes from doing small things consistently. Momentum is everything.
Starting small is the key. Take one step, then another, and soon you’ll find yourself gaining traction. This applies to everything from personal fitness to business tasks like connecting with prospects.
If you’re struggling, focus on action over perfection. You won’t make up for a missed week of activity in one day, but you must take the first step in order to get back on track. Start with one meal, one call, or one task that moves you forward.
Motivation follows the action, not the other way around. And momentum comes next.? Once you start moving, it’s easier to keep it going.
*Ask yourself: What’s one small step you can take today to regain momentum?
Discipline in Tough Decisions
Discipline isn’t just about daily habits; it’s also about making the hard calls. In business, tough decisions often come with personal and professional consequences. It’s easy to avoid these decisions, but discipline means staying focused on the bigger picture.
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For example, keeping a product line might seem like the right fit to help a specific team. But if it threatens the company’s overall health, discipline means making the hard call to let it go.
At the same time, discipline doesn’t mean being rigid. Flexibility and adaptability are essential. When making strategic bets, set clear boundaries and endpoints. If a new venture doesn’t meet its goals within a defined timeframe, have the discipline to pivot or cut losses.
*Ask yourself: Are your decisions aligned with your long-term goals, even when they’re difficult?
The Role of Communication in Discipline
Discipline isn’t just a solo act—it requires shared accountability and clear communication within your team. When everyone understands the “why” behind a goal, it’s easier to stay aligned and focused.
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to:
When your team understands how their daily actions contribute to the bigger picture, discipline becomes a shared effort, not an individual struggle.
*Ask yourself: Are you clearly communicating the “why” behind your goals to your team?
Grace and Persistence When Discipline Falters
Let’s be honest—no one is disciplined all the time. Life happens. We all hit rough patches. The key is to give yourself grace and focus on getting back on track.
Discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. If you’ve fallen off track, don’t try to make up for lost time all at once. Instead, focus on the next step:
Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent actions will get you where you want to go.
*Ask yourself: How can you give yourself grace while taking the next small step forward?
Discipline is a Skill, Not a Trait
Discipline isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. It’s a skill that grows with practice, momentum, and a clear connection to your goals.
Whether it’s maintaining daily habits, making tough business decisions, or rallying your team around a shared vision, discipline is what drives progress in uncertain times.
What role does discipline play in your life and business? Let’s keep the conversation going.