The Deal with Discipline
The word discipline gets a bad rap. Most people define the word as some type of punishment. While this can be true, discipline can also refer to training that develops self-control. The difference? The former deals with control that is imposed on you. The latter refers to a control that is developed inside of you.
According to Don Shula, “Character is the sum total of what you believe and how you act.” If we as leaders want our teams to be successful, we need to have people of character that act according to the value system of the organization.
Discipline and self-control are perhaps the single most important ingredients to leading by example. At the end of the day, leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less. When self-control becomes a defining part of your individual leadership style, you begin to thrive under pressure. Why? Because your character and determination help you to develop a stick-to-it type of attitude when faced with challenges.
As leaders, those are the kind of team members that we need. And our teams need leaders with those qualities going first.
Discipline is a personal decision. No one else can make you throw in the towel or provide the drive you need to keep going. You are the only one that can make that kind of decision. According to author Stephen Covey, “As we make and keep commitments, even small commitments, we begin to establish an inner integrity that gives us the awareness of self-control and the courage and strength to accept more of the responsibility for our own lives. By making and keeping promises to ourselves and others…our honor becomes greater than our moods.”
There are five specific areas of emphasis where a lifestyle of self-discipline can have a positive impact on your success this year:
Developed a disciplined vocabulary-How we talk is a direct reflection of what is in our heart. Learn to use language that is positive and edifying to others. Avoid inappropriate topics of discussion that can hurt and offend. While these might seem all right in certain situations around certain individuals, remember that your character and integrity is your most important commodity. Never allow circumstances to put these two very important things in jeopardy.
Develop a disciplined physical routine-You are the only person that can take care of yourself. Start now taking care of yourself physically. Make sure you are cultivating a lifestyle that balances nutrition and physical activity. Remember, your physical capabilities affect the success of the team. Make sure you are doing your part daily.
Develop a disciplined approach to your music making-Improvement in any endeavor is based on regular practice. If you want the team to succeed, you must first discipline yourself to set and work toward regular goals in developing your own leadership. Learn to focus on the fundamentals, determined to never give up until they are mastered. Then, move on to the next level.
Develop a disciplined attitude-Train yourself to have a positive outlook. Life is full of new experiences. Our attitude at the beginning of any endeavor, affects the level of success attained more than anything else we do. Surround yourself with “can-do” people that will hold you accountable for “right-way” decisions. Remember, you can do it, but it does matter how it gets done. Choose the right attitude before starting each and every time.
Develop the discipline of appreciation-Being part of a team means relying on others. The success of the team is dependent on the level of discipline each of the members possesses. Look for opportunities to thank and congratulate others on the team for a job well done. Never assume that everyone knows that his or her contribution positively affects the team. Develop the ability to communicate appreciation to those you work with…pay it forward.
Author John Foster once commented, “A man without decision of character can never be said to belong to himself. He belongs to whatever can make captive of him.”
What has you held captive?
What causes you to dream up excuses instead of getting the job done?
Learn to challenge your excuses and become a results oriented person. Self-discipline is a choice. Make it today!