A step by step tool for top achievers

15. Lack of Discipline
Have you ever wondered why some people never reach their goals? Why they are
always frustrated with reversals and crises? Why is it some people have continued
success, while others have endless failures? Anyone who has accomplished anything
worthwhile has never done so without discipline, whether in sports, athletics, academia or
business.

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People without discipline try to do everything, but commit themselves to nothing. Some
so-called liberal thinkers have interpreted lack of discipline as freedom. When I am in an
aircraft I want a pilot who is disciplined and does what he is supposed to do and not what
he feels like doing. I don't want him to have the philosophy, "I'm free. I don't want anyone
from the
* William James, MDRT Timeless Treasure, The Whole Person, p. 162.
control  tower telling me what to do."
Lack of consistency is poor discipline. Discipline takes self-control, sacrifice, and avoiding
distractions and temptations. It means staying focused. Steam does not move the engine
unless it is confined. Niagara Falls would not generate power unless it were harnessed.
We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare used to brag about his speed
and challenged the tortoise to a race. The tortoise accepted the challenge. They
appointed the fox as the judge who gave them the starting and finishing points. The race
started and the tortoise kept going steadily. The hare ran quickly, left the tortoise behind
and decided to take a nap since he was so confident he would win the race. By the time
he woke up, remembered the race and started running, he saw that the tortoise had
already reached the finish line and won.
Consistency takes discipline and is more important than erratic effort.
Discipline and regret are both painful. Most people have a choice between the two.
Guess which is more painful.
Generally children brought up with excessive freedom and a lack of discipline grow up
not respecting themselves, their parents or society, and have a hard time accepting
responsibility.