Discipline: It’s Not Sexy, But It Works

For most of my life people have described me as disciplined. Or organized. Or structured.

These labels have been offered as both a compliment and as a criticism. Sometimes both.

I never found these descriptions, no matter how true, to be particularly exciting or sexy. I think some of the people who described me as such didn’t either.

Nevertheless, I would argue, that the level of discipline, structure, or organization I have learned to curate over the years has made the biggest impact in my life.

It is the reason I finished 5 degrees and 12 years of post-secondary education debt-free. It is the reason I find time each day to read, meditate, exercise, and eat healthy. It is also the key reason why I have found success at work.

It hasn’t been easy though. Like everyone else, I’m not always motivated. I often have to remind myself that “my future self will thank me”. I actually say this phrase aloud regularly, in attempt to inspire me to be my best self.  

But it is true. My future self does enjoy the benefits that my current hard work brings.

It takes effort though, especially to get started. Once I get moving (which is usually the hardest part!), it becomes easier. I eventually remember that I actually enjoy the process.

Then, before long, the report or blog gets written. The presentation is created. The program gets launched. And my mental and physical self improves.  

Growth and success don’t happen over night. It isn’t a sprint or a marathon. There isn’t even a finish line. It’s a lifestyle – day in and day out.

While this can seem overwhelming, it really is a comfort. It means we don’t have to stress or push ourselves to exhaustion. We just need to be consistent.

For me, this means I don’t need to follow a regimented schedule of how much or how long I’m going to work on something. Instead, I set general parameters that I aim to meet. Sometimes I overachieve, sometimes I barely achieve. But I know that with consistency, little by little, my goal will get met.

The same is likely true for you too.

As a challenge this week, consider a goal you’re aiming to achieve - personal or professional. Then, try to work on it each day. Sometimes you will get a lot accomplished. Sometimes you’ll only have a few minutes. But with consistency and continued effort, you will eventually meet your overall goal.

And then, your future self will thank you.

Best wishes, Lauren

 P.S. If one of your challenges relates to grant writing, implementing change or needing tech solutions in your business, schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation to see how we can help.