Self Discipline = ACTION

It is said that the key to having a successful blog is to write regularly.  Well...it's been exactly three months since I wrote a post.  Oops!!!  In my defense, it's been a busy and somewhat stressful three months but it's time to get back in the habit of writing.  Which ties in directly to my post today...

Wouldn't it be nice to have perfect self-discipline?  Think of it...getting up on time each day, exercising regularly, resisting the cheesecake in the refrigerator, cleaning the house according to a schedule, making and keeping all the well-child check-up appointments, changing the oil in your car every three months, putting aside Facebook and Pinterest for self-improvement and on and on...

I always have good intentions to make better use of my time every day but it occurred to me that to be self-disciplined requires discipline!  It sounds like a "which came first, the chicken or the egg?"  dilemma.  And in that example, it doesn't really matter, does it?  Whether it takes discipline to become self-disciplined or self-discipline develops discipline, is irrelevant.  What does matter is action...the ability to get up and do something!

Brian Tracy wrote that, "Self-discipline is the ability to do what you know you should do, whether you feel like it or not."  Therein lies the key...doing.  I find that if someone is depending on me for something, I have no problem remembering and following through.  Maybe that's why lists are so helpful for so many people.  They are a visual reminder of a commitment or task that needs completing.  Rewarding yourself for completing a task is another way to develop discipline.  Whatever motivates you to get moving, take advantage of it! 

Knowing there is room for improvement in your life is a good step in the right direction but knowing isn't enough.  There has to be some form of action.  And with action and perserverence comes success. 

What motivates YOU?