The Practice of Discipline
By Brian Tracy
Discipline yourself to do what you know you need to do to be
the very best in your field. Perhaps the best definition of
self-discipline is this: “Self-discipline is the ability to
make yourself do what you should do when you should do it,
whether you feel like it or not.”
It is easy to do something when you feel like it. It’s when
you don’t feel like it and you force yourself to do it
anyway that you move your life and career onto the fast
track.
What decisions do you need to make today in order to start
moving toward the top of your field? Whatever it is, either
to get in or get out, make a decision today and then get
started. This single act alone can change the whole
direction of your life.
Seven Steps to Success
There is a powerful seven step formula that you can use to set and
achieve your goals for the rest of your life. Every single successful person uses
this formula or some variation of this formula to achieve
vastly more than the average person. And so can you.
Here it is:
Decide
What You Want Step number one, decide exactly what
it is you want in each part of your life. Become a
“meaningful specific” rather than a “wandering
generality.”
Write it Down
Second, write it down, clearly and in detail.
Always think on paper. A goal that is not in writing is not
a goal at all. It is merely a wish and it has no energy
behind it.
Set A Deadline
Third, set a deadline for your goal. A
deadline acts as a “forcing system” in your subconscious
mind. It motivates you to do the things necessary to make
your goal come true. If it is a big enough goal, set
sub-deadlines as well. Don’t leave this to chance.
Make A List
Fourth, make a list of everything that you can
think of that you are going to have to do to achieve your
goal. When you think of new tasks and activities, write them
on your list until your list is complete.
Organize Your List
Fifth, organize your list into a plan.
Decide what you will have to do first and what you will have
to do second. Decide what is more important and what is less
important. And then write out your plan on paper, the same
way you would develop a blueprint to build your dream house.
Take Action
The sixth step is for you to take action on
your plan. Do something. Do anything. But get busy. Get
going.
Do Something Every Day
Do something every single day that
moves you in the direction of your most important goal at
the moment. Develop the discipline of doing something 365
days each year that is moving you forward. You will be
absolutely astonished at how much you accomplish when you
utilize this formula in your life every single day.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to put
these ideas into action immediately.
First, decide exactly what you want, write it down with a
deadline, make a plan and take action — on at least one
goal — today!
Second, determine the price you will have to pay to achieve
this goal and then get busy paying that price — whatever
it is.
Want to know how to accomplish more in a month than most
people accomplish in a year? Brian Tracy’s audio program,
The Miracle of Self-Discipline, will show you how! Training
yourself to complete important tasks — even when you don’t
want to — is a vital skill that every Top Achiever should
master. To get your copy today, click here. -
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