Discipline

Discipline isn't an ultra exclusive level you advance to or a Yoda-like superpower you attain from adhering to strict principles for years on end. It's something you become.

Throughout the entire day you're silently saying "yes" or "no" to what's presented. Choosing the small, seemingly meaningless, flairless and sometimes boring daily actions is what manifests the changes you desire.

The byproduct is discipline.

With consistent practice you won't have to psych yourself into doing the things you once teeter tottered with. You'll just do.

Saying "I'm not disciplined" or "I don't have discipline" fuels the belief you're excluded from it. You're not. Discipline isn't all or nothing. It doesn't need to include forms of punishment.

And it sure the hell isn't about perfection.

You want to cut back on your Starbucks fix, so first thing this the morning you passed on the Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato triple shot. A win. Shortly after, things began to unravel. You got to work and there were two hefty stacks of reports waiting. The fresh donuts in the break room called. You answered. First one, then two, and another to-go, along with bottomless coffee. You're disappointed in yourself for being easily swayed, and so quickly after your S.B. celebration. You weren't able to live up to what you had planned for the rest of the day, and jumped into a pint of Ben and Jer's right before bed.

Well, congrats. Yes, congrats.

Passing on something, even if it was "short lived", is a huge accomplishment. It's proof that it's possible.

The one telling you the opposite, or diminishing your efforts, is most likely yourself.

Your day will never be ruined because of something you ate, missed, forgot or couldn't quite manage to do. Toss the tattered "my day's shot because I did such and such" way of thinking to the curb.

What you didn't do today, do tomorrow. The laundry will still be there, the errands are patiently waiting, the workout won't vanish and the salad you prepped for lunch but skipped for a cheeseburger, fries and a shake is still ready.

When you slip, give yourself a polite and gentle pat on the back that's full of loving-kindness for being as awesome as you are. You deserve that most.

Keep practicing you at your own pace. Nobody's timing you.

Do You All Out,

Jimmy

"Error is discipline through which we advance." ~ William Ellery Channing