'Discipline goes in hand with success in every sphere of life’

Roopleen Prasad

27-July-2012

Vol 0 | Issue 1

If you were to ask the most successful people their secret of success, they will tell you that success requires one thing and that is- self discipline.

Discipline goes in hand with success in every sphere of life. Throughout history, we find that self-discipline has been the common denominator for all those who achieved anything worthwhile and meaningful in life.

The reason why so many people fail to achieve their goals and end up living mediocre lives is their lack of self-discipline. No matter how gifted or talented you may be, to experience the sweet taste of success you need to master the art of self-discipline. Discipline is what Roy Smith called “the defining fire” by which talent becomes ability.

People who have achieved stupendous levels of success started at the bottom and worked their way up by disciplining themselves for success.

Seven-time Mr Olympia champion and the youngest bodybuilder to ever hold the title, Arnold Schwarzenegger has made his mark as the greatest body builder of all time. Rigorous self-discipline has been the key to his success, which helped him achieve his goals.

The journey of success is not easy. There will always be challenges to face, difficulties to tackle and obstacles to overcome. It takes mental strength and consistency to attain what you desire and self-discipline helps you to master just that. Self-discipline is, as popularly called, ‘the bridge’ between goals and accomplishments.

Contrary to what most people think, self-discipline is not about denying yourself or punishing yourself. It is about training your mind to go through with what you start doing. As Elbert Hubbard has expressed- it is the ability to ‘make yourself do’ what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.

All great achievements require a good amount of hard work and discipline. And it’s not the work that is hard, it is the discipline. Self-discipline is a valuable attribute to have, yet difficult to obtain. Jim Rohn once said, and very rightly, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”

Sarah Bombell, the famous Australian synchronized swimmer goes one step further by admitting that the pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret. Initially it may feel difficult, even intimidating to practice rigorous discipline but once you get into it, it flows automatically.

Self-discipline, however, is not a spectator sport. You need to actively develop it by dismissing negative thoughts. Free yourself of self-limiting beliefs and focus on your goals. This requires constant efforts and regular practice but once developed surely pays rich dividends.

Julie Andrews, the talented academy award winning actress, put it in simple yet profound words-"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly. "

The age old saying of “discipline is the key to success” holds true even today. Self- discipline is the backbone of a successful and productive life- without discipline life is like ‘a ship without a rudder.’

With the practice of self-discipline, you can create breakthrough results in your life and achieve great success. Master self-discipline if you want to reach your full potential and design the life you really desire.

No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed.

No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined.

No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunnelled.

No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.

-Harry Emerson Fosdick

The Author is a Motivational counselor, Speaker, Ophthalmologist, and Author of 'Principles of Success Made Easy-14 Easy Steps to Climb the Ladder of Success'