BREAK FREE

Principle #6

Self-Discipline is Freedom

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us to action and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” – Zig Zigler

It may seem counter intuitive to consider discipline freedom but in my experience it is the greatest determination of freedom. True freedom is the ability to leverage time and energy into the realization and achievement of goals and satisfaction. Self-discipline is the gateway to personal fulfillment because it creates the freedom to say no, freedom from laziness, freedom from procrastination, freedom from lethargy and freedom from doubt. Discipline is personal power, where you maneuver your skills, talents and strengths by committing to consistent thoughts and actions despite how you are feeling in the moment. Repetitive, concerted efforts are required in order to live the life you dream of. The difference between mediocrity and magnificence is mastering your thoughts, words and actions; freed from you from limitations, you create your life On Purpose.

"It is not enough to have great qualities; we should also have the management of them." — La Rochefoucauld

I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT

Discipline is defined in the Webster’s Dictionary as, “a system of rules for behavior and methods of practice.” You may hear the word and immediately think of punishment or restriction; nothing could be further from the truth. Discipline is measurable commitment, where time, practice and energy are organized to highlight your values; the most important people, tasks and opportunities. Self-discipline is cultivating and maintaining a practice of behavior that leads you to your goals. It is literally scheduling your life and consistently following through. It is required in all things and demands courage and humor and short bursts of willpower to uphold. It is called upon in the service of your long term visions. It is the decision you make to delay immediate gratification for the authenticity, joy, self-respect and self-love that comes from valuing yourself. It is called upon when you eat the fruit rather than the cheesecake, you meditate when you would rather sleep,when you go for a walk when you would rather watch TV, and when you work on your paper or book when you would rather check emails or Facebook. The sum of how you spend your time is your life. If you want to know what is really important to you, look at your schedule, notice where you are putting your energy and time. Discipline is remembering who you are and what you want. It is the gateway between your dreams and your reality. It is freedom.

TWELVE TIPS FOR APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE

1. Self-Discipline is about acting according to how you think rather than how you feel.

2. Discipline is a muscle and will get stronger the more you use it.

3. Discipline is a lifelong decision for excellence.

4. Discipline is mastering your mind – creating freedom from limitations (negative thoughts and immediate gratification).

5. At the core, discipline is habit. Are your habits supporting the life you desire?

6. Discipline empowers you and builds self-respect.

7. Creating and following a schedule is creating your life.

8. Discipline puts you in charge of creating the outcomes you want.

9. Create a compelling future. Visualize it, feel it and plan for it.

10. If you do not know what you want, get support from a life coach to help you identify your values and goals.

11. True freedom cannot exist without discipline.

12. True freedom is the ability to live your life On Purpose – by your design, with peace, self-love and clarity of purpose.

I would love to help you free yourself to live your best life. Please contact me at, onpurposelifecoaching@hotmail.com.