“Great leaders always have self-discipline -without exception.”
John C. Maxwell
To achieve the highest form of leadership, you must practice self-discipline. Discipline is the act of giving yourself a command and then following through.
If you are challenged with maintaining self-discipline, you’re not alone. Leading ourselves and practicing self-discipline can be one of the greatest challenges we face.
The good news is that you can build a system of self-discipline.
Focus on Small Steps
You have big goals and they won’t be achieved overnight. You know this to be true, yet you become frustrated because you don’t see immediate progress. Your goals will be achieved through a series of small steps. Concentrate on creating small, manageable habits that will lead you to your ultimate goal.
Know on Your “Why”
To practice self-discipline, you must push through your emotions. There will be days where you won’t want to do your small-step habit. When you keep the reason why you want to achieve your big goal in focus, you’ll find the motivation to continue.
Manage Obstacles
There will be obstacles along the way in achieving any goal. Your roadblocks can be overcome by investing in help. Through coaching, mentoring, accountability groups, courses, or books (or a combination of), you will bust through obstacles and help you stay on course.
Self-discipline does have a cost. It demands a continual investment of time, energy, and commitment at the expense of momentary pleasure and ease.
Great leaders do practice self-discipline and they don’t do it alone. You can choose to take responsibility in growing your leadership skills and go beyond your natural talent. When you choose to make the commitment of small steps toward the bigger picture, knowing your “why,” and managing your obstacles, you are choosing the path to growing as a leader.
