It's funny. I always believed the word "discipline" meant being confined and constricted. Being the rebellious and resistant person I was these were not experiences I wanted to have. Why would I be disciplined if I thought it meant I would be confined to a regimen or that it would somehow constrict me?

It's funny. Even though I held the belief that discipline was constricting; the thing that continually impressed me most about so many people I admired was their personal discipline to reach their dreams. I wondered why I admired it in others so much? They do what needs to be done in the face of adversity and have the discipline to keep on moving forward no matter what. Athletes, entertainers, politicians and writers are common examples of people who demonstrate discipline in their lives. Look at the people you admire whether they are well known or not. Take note and see if you admire them because they are disciplined and have the ability to "bounce back".

It's funny. I've discovered that being disciplined in life has very little to do with my moods. It really doesn't matter whether I don't "feel" like doing something at the time. What I realize is that what matters most is; discipline is a choice. It's not based on my momentary mood or emotional state. My mood or any fear or doubt that might creep in out of habit or outside circumstances have no real effect on whether I'm disciplined or not. I've decided to do something for a reason and so I will do it because of that choice.

It's funny. Being disciplined actually has little to do with the limiting belief I've been holding on to. Once I decided to investigate my own belief I can see how untrue it is. It doesn't hold up under close scrutiny. I discover that discipline is actually the opposite of the illusion I once held. It is actually the road to freedom and self-expansion. When I am disciplined I feel better about my behavior, my actions and about myself. This inner strength becomes more important than any obstacle I might encounter.

If discipline is a challenge for you, here are some suggestions to build and maintain it:

1. Investigate your belief. What does the word "discipline" mean to you? If you discover any limiting beliefs take a closer look and see if they are really true.
2. You are more disciplined than you think. Everyone is disciplined at something; even if it's sitting on the couch and watching television! Now you can turn your ability to be disciplined toward something else. Pick one thing and do it; then pick a second thing and do that. Before long you will discover that you are creating the habit of discipline.
3. Begin Small. If discipline is a challenge for you it is important to begin with small doable steps first. Begin with making a phone call, sending an email or writing a letter. You may want to identify 10 people you want to contact for your business and complete that list today. It's all doable...just begin!
4. Celebrate Your Successes! One of the things I ask my clients to do is to celebrate their successes every day. Don't wait for a "large" success; celebrate every success you have each day. You can do this by identifying 3 things you feel good about and write them in a journal each day. Celebrate the fact that they make you and others feel good!