Self-discipline the Key to Achieving Your Goals
| Posted in Personal Development | Posted on 17-08-2010
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Self-discipline Key to Achieving Your Goals
Achieving your goals is a lot easier if you practice self-discipline on a daily basis.
Let me explain what I mean by that.
I got up this morning and looked at my “To Do List” for today. It’s not very long, but there are some items on it which I really dislike doing. However, they are important tasks that I need to do in order to move my business forward.
Now, would it really make such a big difference if I just skipped today and had some fun instead? At first thought, no, probably not.
BUT … who is to say that I wouldn’t feel like skipping them again tomorrow? What if tomorrow, I feel the same way as today and I just don’t feel like doing them … again?
That would set me back two days in achieving my goals.
Well, okay, two days. Big deal! What’s all the fuzz about?
I will tell you what the fuzz is about. If I skipped today, and tomorrow, then skipping another couple of days down the road won’t be such a ‘big deal’ either. Do you see a pattern here? It’s the pattern of mediocrity.
Temptation, the mother of breaking the rules …
Just think about it this way. You are on a diet and your kids want you to bake some brownies. You stir up the ingredients, pour the mix in the pan and stick it into the oven. Nothing to it, right?
However, after just a short while the aroma of the baking brownies fills the air and you can hardly wait until they are done.
You think to yourself, “I’m only going to have one. One little brownie isn’t going to make much of a difference.”
You take your first bite and that brownie just melts in your mouth. “Hmmm, delicious!”
“Okay“, you say, “let me have just one more. One more little brownie isn’t going to do any damage.”
And there, in an instant, you blew your diet.
The next day you get on the scale and find out you just had undone what you had been working on so hard all week. Was it worth it? I doubt it.
If you give in once to your temptations, it’s easier to do it a second, a third and a fourth time and so on.
That’s where self-discipline comes in.
You can’t give in!
You’ve got to stick to the plan you’ve laid out to achieving your goals.
You do have a plan, right? I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, …
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
Or, … “If you aim at nothing, you’re sure going to hit it.”
Did you know that only 3% of adults have written goals and plans how to get there? And, they earn more than the other 97% put together.
That is why achieving your goals first requires writing them down on paper and then the self-discipline to work on them on a daily basis. Without skipping even a single day. Of course setting realistic goals makes them a lot easier to achieve.
This post was inspired by a link that dropped into my inbox this morning. An exert of Brian Tracy’s book:
“The Power of Discipline – 7 Ways It Can Change Your Life”
Enjoy reading it. I am sure it will help you in achieving your goals. It sure saved my day.
To Your Success!
Ilka Flood
The Enlightened Networker
P.S. You don’t have to share this post, but if you do, you might just encourage someone to sticking to their plan and achieving their goals. So please go ahead and click the Re-Tweet and Facebook Share buttons above. Thank you!
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Harleena Singh
Adrienne
Marlene
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Oliver Tausend
Richard
Alan Hands
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Bruno Buergi
Hey Ilka
Love the quote “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
The pain of disciple is more bearable than the pain of regret. We have to suffer one or the other, better make it a pain which will benefit us.
Chat soon
Dwayne
Dwayne Huggins invites you to read..How To Take The Pain Out Of Paying Bills
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hi Dwayne,
I love that quote too. Maybe because I’m so painfully familiar with it
I have changed though and am doing much better. The key is writing my goals down …. and make them bite-sized in the first place so they are much more achievable.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts!
Have a great week!
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: luckyoliver70
said on 17-08-2010
Hi Ilka,
temptation, exceptions…the kiss of death to self-discipline and achievement. The old German saying comes into my mind:”Was Du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nie auf morgen.”
For your English readers:”What you can do today, never postpone until tomorrow.” – Free translation according to Oliver
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend invites you to read..Change Your Point Of View
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Hi Oliver,
Your translation is spot on. Yep, procrastination goes right along with temptation.
You’ve got to focus and stay on target. There’s no short cut to success. “It’s easy to do and it’s easy not to do.”
Thanks for stopping by!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka,
Discipline is everything! Just last night I was at a place that serves milkshakes. My wife had one, my friends had one, I almost gave in…Phewww!
I love milkshakes, I was testing myself last night. Not, like I’m on a diet or anything like that. Just wanted to see if I could go through the night without having one.
Chat with you later…
Josh
Josh Garcia invites you to read..Warning- Do You Know The Signs if Your Blog Content Sucks
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Hi Josh,
Discipline builds character! Good for you for resisting the temptation.
Thanks for your great comment!
Have an awesome night!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
You’re spot on! Discipline is the #1 foundation to achieving any kind of success. Discipline will allow us to make changes and stick with them. Discipline will allow us to stay focus on our goals and not be tempted by distractions. With discipline, you can accomplish so much.
Janette
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Hi Janette,
Absolutely! Discipline is the engine that powers your success. (Just thought that up
)
Thanks for stopping by and for your great comment!
Ilka
[Reply]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Janette Stoll, Josh Garcia. Josh Garcia said: Self-discipline the Key to Achieving Your Goals http://bit.ly/9kFqhr [...]
Hi Ilka,
It’s a lot easier to keep momentum than it is to get it going in the first place. Down time is necessary you just need to put in on the list!
Janet Napora invites you to read..Response cached until Wed 18 @ 1:36 GMT (Refreshes in 55 Minutes)
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Hi Janet,
I agree with you. It is a lot easier to keep the boulder rolling than having it come to a stop and then start pushing it again.
And yes, downtime indeed is necessary … I could use some … but, my boulder is rolling right now
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your great thoughts! It is very nice to meet you
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: steveshoemaker
said on 17-08-2010
Ilka,
Is this a coincidence? I am beginning to wonder about the law of attraction.
This was just the quality I thought I was lacking…. discipline.
Not that I am slack but I have figured I need to have more of a schedule that I stick to defining what I am doing and when.
I have been pretty hit or miss I think and I have wasted valuable time.
But this is a bit of a wake up call honestly between you and Mr.Tracy I think I am covered.
Time will tell,
Steve Shoemaker
steve shoemaker invites you to read..Article Marketing- A Do And A Don’t
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi Steve,
The law of attraction is a powerful thing
We’ve all been guilty of not concentrating on what we ought to do and instead wasting our time on things or tasks that really didn’t get us any closer to our goals.
It’s when we finally come to realize it when things start to change.
Thanks for your great comment! Wishing you a successful rest of the week!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
Discipline is huge. As a matter of fact, this past Sunday I created new goals as reached my others. Well, one of them was to be able to do the unthinkable within one years period.
So today I decided to kick it in gear and to achieve this goal. I’m very close to making this goal too, with a few hours left in the day. That’s unbelievable because if I didn’t have the self-discipline, I would’ve waited to do this until the last minute.
This post totally hit home with me, so thanks for that.
Chat with you later,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff invites you to read..5 Reasons Why No One Is Reading Your Email Newsletter
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Hi Jerome,
Congratulations on accomplishing your goal! I think that’s awesome. Can’t say I am really surprised as you strike me as a very disciplined young man. I know you will go far and will accomplish whatever you set your mind too.
Keep up the great work!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
Wow, if only more people had discipline… This is a great post and topic.
Without discipline we can’t expect things to get better. Taking control and not leaving it all up to chance is the only way to success, in every area of life.
Thanks for this yummy reminder! (I could almost smell the brownies.
)
Susanna
Susanna Hess invites you to read..Is Facebook A Search Engine How Do Your Prospects Use Facebook
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Hi Susanna,
You hit on a very valid point … not leaving things up to chance. Some people hope to “get lucky” not realizing the more they work the luckier they will get.
Discipline is key! Definitely!
Thanks for stopping by and for your great comment!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
I have to admit, although I am fairly disciplined with online activities I wouldn’t have went 2 seconds without popping a brownie in my mouth
They look good!
I think of discipline like momentum. The more discipline you exhibit now the easier it is to remain disciplined 5 minutes from now, and so on. Once you reach a kind of discipline critical mass, it becomes habitual and you don’t even have to think about being disciplined. There is so much momentum behind you, you can’t help but be disciplined.
Thanks for sharing the important reminder.
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph invites you to read..How to Drive Traffic to Work at Home Business Opportunities With Blogging
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Hi Ryan,
Absolutely, you can develop a habit of discipline. We humans are creatures of habit anyway. We can develop good habits just as easy as bad habit. Well, maybe not quite as easy. I guess it would take some … discipline
Thanks for leaving us your valuable thoughts!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka!
You had me intrigued at the picture of the brownies!
Thanks for the awesome post reminding me to stick to my goals. (Yes, I have written them down!)
I’m thrilled to be on a journey with you and others like you who push me to step it up, and who “shame” me into doing it now instead of procrastinating because I see you out there “doing it now” too!
“Safety in numbers” right? It’s always easier to stick to an exercise plan or a diet when you’re doing it with a friend…so my new friend, I’m glad to have met you! Hold me to my goals, ok?!?! I’ll do the same for you!
Heather
Heather C Stephens invites you to read..Personal Branding for Network Marketers- Find a Niche
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Hi Heather,
Good for you writing your goals down! You deserve a brownie just for that alone
(I am actually in the process of writing a whole new set of goals down for the next 4 months. So I think I’ll have a brownie too.)
Teaming up with a buddy makes everything easier. I believe they call them “Accountability Partners” in our industry. And if you’re accountable to someone else the likelihood that you actually do what you are supposed to is much higher.
Great thought! Thanks for sharing!
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: AnaTrafficCafe
said on 17-08-2010
Ilka – I have to ask you to refrain from posting any kind of delicious good pictures on your blog, particularly any dessert items!
Very good point though.
I try to start my day with things that I dislike doing the most; that’s my best chance to get them done.
Ana Hoffman
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe invites you to read..On-Page Ranking Factors That Scream or Whisper
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Hi Ana,
Haha, thanks for making me laugh
You know, you are doing the absolute best thing you can do …. You are “eating that frog” first. According to Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog” book that’s exactly what you are supposed to do. Good for you!
Thanks for your great comment!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka,
Thanks for the motivation. I like yours and Ana’s comment on doing the things you dislike the most first. Procrastination over dreaded tasks is a big problem, but if it’s important to our business, I guess you’ve just gotta “Eat That Frog”.
Take care,
Wayne
Wayne Wu invites you to read..Montana Orders ACN to Shut Down over “Pyramid Scheme” Allegations
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Hi Wayne,
Yes, you’re right! There’s no way around “eating that frog.” Might as well eat it first to get it out of the way … and then you have nothing but sunny skies ahead for the rest of the day
Thanks for stopping by Wayne and for your great comment!
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: MavisNong
said on 18-08-2010
Hi Ilka,
Thanks for motivating us to keep going. Discipline is a huge thing that many entrepreneurs struggle with.
I also dread doing some tasks and I find it easier to start off my day with them to make sure they are done.
I so want those chocolate brownies now!
Thanks for your inspiring post.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong invites you to read..Still Struggling In Your Network Marketing Business
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Hi Mavis,
You are right, doing those tasks you dislike the most first sure helps. It’s like hurrying up and eating the spinach so you can get to the dessert. Might as well get it out of the way or mother would make you sit there until it’s gone.
Hmmm, just reminded me about the story I wrote about “Oatmeal” a little while ago
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: prfuller
said on 18-08-2010
Hey Ilka
I have to agree with Ana on this one, no more tempting pictures of brownies. Rather I will give you my address and you can just ship them over.
I always enjoy reading Brian Tracy. From the link you gave us there is a great quote from Huxley :
“Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not”
I have to admit right now I am exhausted from two days of solid day job work (it happens) but I am heading home soon and I will do the things I need to do.
Thanks from the great post Ilka.
Peter Fuller MBA invites you to read..Something You May Not Know About The Law of Attraction
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Sorry about that, Peter. I know they look mighty tempting don’t they
I really loved that quote by Huxley. I should print that out and tape it to my desk as a reminder, haha.
Good for you not to give in to the temptation to just take it easy, but first doing what needs to be done.
Kudos to you!!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
I found your post just as I was about to sit down to do some work.
Funny thing is, every evening, just before I get to my work, a little voice in my head keeps telling me to “just skip it, watch something interesting on the telly, or go to sleep and deal with the work tomorrow.”
The more this little voice is entertained, the more discipline dwindles. When that discipline to actually act and do what needs to be done (when it needs to be done), disappears, then you have a habit that will be difficult to break.
So, if I do listen to the little voice in my head, tomorrow will never come and I will make no progress.
Self-discipline will definitely get you to achieve your goals (where you have goals of course).
Thanks for sharing your wonderful post.
Have a great day.
Michael
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Hi Michael,
Absolutely! You give in just once and you’ll be done for. Way to be strong! Kudos to you!!!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your great comment! It is very nice to meet you.
Have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Motivational posts are always good for me!
Ryan made this comment – “Once you reach a kind of discipline critical mass, it becomes habitual and you don’t even have to think about being disciplined.”
This is very true – they say it takes 21 days to form a habit. What one needs to do is be disciplined enough for 21 days to anchor the activity, thereafter you’re home dry when it becomes habitual!
Stay Inspired!
Michael
Michael B Wilbraham invites you to read..2 Words That Scream “Network Marketing Scam”
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Hi Michael,
I totally agree. 21 days to make (or break) a habit. I’ve tried that out myself and it really works
Thanks for stopping by, Michael, and have a great weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Great post Ilka, a “wake up”. I have to post this quote:
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
Soren Egstrup invites you to read..Some people stand out
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Hey Soren,
Love that quote from “Alice in Wonderland.” You must have kids. Or, you are still a kid at heart
Have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
[...] I was pretty lucky so far, I had my first real experience with plugin trouble when I created my last blog post. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out what had gone [...]
Hi Ilka,
Great topic! This is something all of us can really relate to because we all get those days when we lose track of our focus and give in to temptations that waste our time or take us away from our goals. Someone once said that we should have “laser-vision” focus on our goals, otherwise, we will easily crumble and give in to distractions. Great example with the brownie — enjoyed it!
Elmar Sandyck invites you to read..Is It Time To Refine Your Website
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Hi Elmar,
“Laser-vision” focus is the best way I know to keep on track what I’m supposed to be doing … and a road map to get me there
I know there are always distractions and it isn’t easy. But, we have to have the self-discipline to get right back on task after we were derailed.
Thanks for your great comment and have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka!
You are absolutely 100% right about discipline. My task list right now keeps growing with new projects and things to move my business forward. It takes some work but hey it’s all worth it in the end.
I think like most of the people that post on your blog, I could work 14-16 hours straight doing this and it doesn’t even feel like work.
This business is awesome! There is nothing more I would rather be doing.
Those brownies on that pic are calling my name though! I am not sure if I can discipline myself on those LOL
Melisa West invites you to read..The Importance Of Being You Network Marketing Training
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Hey Melisa,
You mean you’re not working 14-16 hours like the rest of us?
All kidding aside, even though you love what you do it’s still WORK. Yes, you need to stick to the plan you laid out for yourself. But the secret is, make it realistic.
I had an “aha moment” on my break … “It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon.”
Cheers,
Ilka
[Reply]
I like Brian Tracy’s work.
And I agree that self disciplie is the key. Its the most important skill a person can have. If you have self discipline all your other skills will be greatly improved too.
Self discipline is closely linked to to ability to delay gratification so we must teach our children that and they will be successful in life.
Cheers
Andrej invites you to read..Self discipline- delayed gratification and marshmallows
[Reply]