If you read this to the bottom (no skipping ahead allowed), you’re going to learn one very mechanically simple (but potentially mentally complex) little way to BLOW THE DOORS off your ability to perform at a higher level than you can possibly imagine . . . and it all boils down to your understanding of one word:

DISCIPLINE

Just utter the word “Discipline” and you’ll see myriad contortive reflex actions and facial expressions in virtually every person within earshot . . . The same happens with the word “Accountability.”

Why?

Most folks associate “Discipline” and “Accountability” with “PUNISHMENT” . . . an unpleasant and (emotionally and/or physically) painful  experience to AVOID even at the cost of failing to achieve the goal/objective.

While growing up, discipline may have been enforced with harsh scoldings, a switch on a bare bottom, spankings, paddles . . . and the method tended to get more severe and painful for the child who refused to “get it” . . . We called those young ones “Hard Headed” . . . “Unruly” . . . “Non-conformists” . . . They were typically ones to march to the beat of a different drummer, and the authority figures (Parents, teachers, coaches) were attempting to “Beat them into submission” to the rote rules/ways.

It was a continual push-me-pull-you of the wills . . . Driven by will-power.

This contest has played out for as long as life has thrived (and it doesn’t just apply to humans – Watch Momma and Daddy Lion with their cubs for a while).

Can’t we just shun discipline . . . and evade it?

Sure . . . but if you do, you’re potentially shielding yourself from a HIGH level of success that you cannot possibly imagine.

“Discipline” means WAY more than “Punishment” . . . Stay tuned!

Discipline

“In its original sense, discipline is systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or “order“. Often, the phrase “to discipline” carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order – that is, ensuring instructions are carried out – is often regulated through punishment. Discipline is also believed to be one of the main pillars of modern life.

Discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be synonymous with self control. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine the best course of action that opposes one’s desires.

Self-discipline can be defined as the ability to motivate oneself in spite of a negative emotional state. Qualities associated with self-discipline include willpower, hard work, and persistence.

Self-discipline is the product of persisted willpower. Whereas willpower is the strength and ability to carryout a certain task, self-discipline is the ability to use it routinely and even automatically (as if through reflex). “

My belief is that it is through the practice of discipline that we grow and mature and create the best person we can be . . . The most disciplined among us are FIRST disciplined to SELF . . . It’s the inner core of FOCUS!

What we focus on EXPANDS . . . and the clarity of the focus creates success and achievement of goals.

The power tool is discipline.

I am particularly interested in studying discipline as it contributes to a person’s desire to succeed in business and life as he/she FOCUSes on a SPECIFIC Niche . . . and uses discipline to fine tune this specialty.

Wednesday 4/4 @ 10 AM we’re going to gather a group of high-minded folks to explore these ideas and identify ways we can SPECIALIZE what we do and where we work such we each become the “EXPERT” whose expertise EVERYONE who wants “that” seeks.

On the ever persistent quest to convert boring plain vanilla generalism into high energy specialization . . .

psssst . . . THIS is where the REAL fulfillment (emotionally and financially) shows up.

Just sayin’

Best,

b