Pretty much all of us would like to do good things. You want to know that when you leave this existence, you did something worthwhile while you were here – that you lived a life worth living.
So what does it take to accomplish something of an enduring nature – to move from success to significance? You may not like the answer…
Self-discipline.
Because to accomplish success in anything, you must first reach a certain level of success in the management of your own mind.
I spent a lot of years drinking, drugging, and acting out in a lot of ways, enjoying every immediate gratification I could find. And I won’t lie to you; there is a degree of satisfaction in that. But it is only a degree.
The difference between an animal and someone with no discipline is that the person without discipline has a much wider range of desires – and experiences an equally corresponding variety of suffering.
Because you always chase after that first high, but it’s never equaled. No conquest is satisfactory, because you’re on the hunt for the next one. No matter how many things you collect, someone else still has something you covet.
When you practice self-discipline, you stop existing and begin to really live. As we discussed in a previous post, this isn’t simply denial, because denial eventually gets overcome.
It starts with a form of denial: self-control. Then you move to purification, where the desire falls away. And finally to relinquishment, where you no longer desire the thing.
It’s no always easy. In fact, it almost never is. But man, the payoff is worth it! So where do you need to practice self-discipline?
-RG
Prosperity TV
Randy,
WHERE DON'T I NEED TO PRACTICE SELF DISCIPLINE???
Sometimes it feels overwhelming! But you eat an elephant one bite at a time. I am a passionate, creative artist who has a tendency to overdo just about everything. There seems to be no middle ground. I try to remember to take a deep breath, step back and make an assessment of whatever I am about to say, do, jump head first into and say do I really want/need to do this??
Who will be affected by this and what is my desired outcome. It's a good start.
Blessings, Kathleen
This post caught my attention...It really did, as I was sitting in front of my computer and writng down my thoughts about my life purpose, my relationships, family and business...Universe is so helpful. When I asked for guidance, it made go to the library and get to useful books, one of them is helpful in my business, and the other one gives many answrs and insights into my current situation..
I wanted to incorporate new ideas into my business as soon as possible, but paused for a while. I reailized, that I need greater reason, much greater than money, to continue working on my project. It must be worth working, thinking about it...In general, my life must be guided by a worthy reason...
When I got this, something inside me made open an EI page and go to your blog. I usually don't read it on week-ends..I thought you never post on week-ends...But here it is, a new post with now comments under it, named "A Life Worth Living"!!!
Isn't it amazing? The Universe shows me again and again, that I'm on a right path! The signs are so clear, so vivid, so loud!
I read the post, and then thought that I shoukd take the sign, the name of the post as an affrimation of my idea about "worthy life". I didn't pay attention to the "self-disciple" point, because I need to find the meaining of "wrothy" life for myself, and then work on self-disciple...At least I thought so..But the same force, that made open the internet page and read your new post, it just makes me sit here and respond to it..Not to your question, though...And while I'm writing (typing) here, I am reailzing, the self-discipline is important right now, right here for me! I need to kepp practicing and working on my project, my work-out and other things I started (again) last week. And all other door will open, all other resources will be available to me, and other affrimation will follow, just like this post...
Thank YOU again, Randy!
Simply and truly. I am also sitting and sorting things what to change in my weekday.
If I want to live tomorrow better like yesterday,I have to change my habits today. To create new habits is possible only with self-discipline. Oh....
I agree with Kathleen, RG. A baby-steps approach in different areas of our lives works best.
I've remained more disciplined in my work, and with my personal development...food consumption is one area I could improve in. Although I'm in great shape and run 45 minutes I day I see the urge to eat emotionally arise. Sometimes I watch it.....sometimes I eat 😉 But I'm improving, and am grateful that as I work on this I keep super active and eat clean 90% of the time.
RB
Creativity(Kathleen), deeper meaning (Rishkin) and staying on track with self discipline (Randy).
I found my deeper meaning when I was younger though a lot of inward and outward exploration, mistakes and deep meaningful experiences. My intuition which I learned I needed to rely on over my mind became my guiding light. My mind was (is) creative, passionate and a bit untame, which I suppose when your working on a creative project is great, but not so great when your setting up your schedule or have a limited time to scan your priorites for the day, week, month etc.
It's so easy to get swept away...in order to have self discipline you need to know what your anchors are.
I have all my basic support anchors in place accept for one: Attending church or meeting in person with a group of spiritual minded people, every Sunday, that want to apply spiritual laws in their lives, while growing into their potential.
My intuition keeps saying find this. I'm saying, ya where!! It's saying keep looking it's there but use discretion.
Anyways, sometimes my self discipline for my basics have less energy when I put more into this pursuit. Going out to eat all the time instead of planning home made meals for example.
So today I will take some time to honor the space I would have if I was going to church and in this space I will meditate and pray and connect with those like minded people that exist now even if I am not with them in person.
Then I will go onto spring cleaning! And use my self discipline to bring some energy back into my basics.
RG
What you are speaking about is not a punishment but a portal to a life of love.
Thanks,
Jim
My life has taken me on many positive and negative paths. In a few weeks I will turn 51 and as I reflect back on my life, with this topic in mind, I can truthfully say that lack of dicipline played a critical role in negative outcomes. I always consider myself a work in progress and today is no different. I have learned to live life in the moment, not to say, without hopes for the future, but by valuing, NOW, I am empowered like never before. There is a peace that resides in knowing that the future is unfolding before my eyes and that all my weakness's and strength's make me into an instument of hope, love and light for the people God brings into my life. There are no accidents in this universe, only wrong and right choices. I pray that all of you keep your eyes looking straight ahead and give the opportunities that come your way today the very best of who you are and that your giving be multiplied back to you as a blessing.
“My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” Forrest Gump
I struggle with letting not so great things from the past creep up on me and spin around in my head and my heart. I've been working really hard on not letting them cloud the good that is in my life now and what is yet to come.
Tiffany,
Your mom gave wise advice and wisdom. I had to learn that one the hard way. I wanted to share with you, that this is where forgiveness is a huge healer. I don't think that our deep seeded negative experiences in life ever go away, but the impact they have on our feelings can be greatly minimized with the power of forgiveness. Give it a try. It truly works for anyone who willing to lay it down and forgive.
Caution with forgiving too early - often you don't process the various issues and in forgiving you loose your voice.
I've always been a very forgiving person - and now realising that allowed me to get into friendships were people could take advantage because I'd keep forgiving.
It's essential to learn to speak up and out first, and set boundaries, rather than let go and perpetuate the negative cycles....
I recommend the book TOXIC PARENTS - by Susan Forward - she helps take you through various parenting types and how they affect our lives, and how to overcome abuse/neglect/insult etc. Very healing book!
Here it is - Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming You...' by Susan Forward, Craig Buck http://amzn.to/f6DTff
This week I'm working on mental discipline:
1. Feeling Satisfied with How Things Are...
2. Being Satisfied with How Things Were when I was a Child (temptation: to shake out that cigarette called "Poor Lil' Me" and smoke it)
3. Trusting that the Future will be even better.
I'm going for the 80/20 on this: If I can stay in the positive, satisfied, trusting state of mind 80% of the time - I'll be doin' goooooood!
Cheers, Mrs. H&P
I totally love this post. I like the idea of working on self discipline, "management of your own mind",,, Brilliant!
I have a question though, when you mention "you no longer desire the thing", do you mean that which carries you away from your higher purpose? Or any thing you desire? Could you please ellaborate on this idea... thanks Randy
Things that aren't in your highest good.
-RG
Thank you Randy!
Great post Randy... and timely for me. Have had an awesome first quarter of this year... better than ever. In the past the tendency has been to ease up a bit mentally... not this year. Time to kick the self discipline muscle up another couple of notches! Thanks again for your daily messages...many that hit right between the eyes!
Perhaps I am experiencing a different challenge in the discipline department right now?!?!
For the past year I have been undergoing what I can only describe as a metamorphosis. I have known for years what I was meant to do ... and I intentionally looked the other direction … out of fear. Plain and simple.
Fear of failing. Fear of succeeding. Fear of criticism. I played small. I will own that. 🙂
But thanks to getting in touch with my faith, courage, intention with help from some amazing mentors(Randy being one of the most impactful) I seem to have finally sprouted my wings and have just recently jumped off the cliff, so to speak. Scary and exhilarating all at the same time ... the can't eat/can't sleep kind! And, I’m loving this. 🙂
The great news is that the parachute is opening nicely and all of a sudden, the entire world seems to be opening up in every direction … professionally, personally, physically … it’s all changing so fast! New people, new opportunities, support from every direction. I am thrilled! … and I am, uh … attempting not to fall into overwhelm!
So, here then, is my current challenge with discipline ...
Since it is part of my personality to be extremely disciplined ... (at times to the extreme). With all this new landscape opening up – the faster I develop systems and schedules to assure I’m doing everything well, the faster more GREAT stuff keeps showing up. All I can say is that when the Prosperity Window swings open … holy crud - hang onto your hat!
I know, I know … it’s a terrible problem to have, right? 😉
It’s more than just time management. It’s competing priorities … and they all feel worthy of my best game, but I can only play on a few fields at once! I guess I’m just having a hard time deciding where to cut myself some slack on discipline. It’s all important to me! Any advice you would offer?
I am so grateful for the journey of this past year and what I have received from Randy and this entire community. What a wild and beautiful ride. 🙂
K
Hi Kimbra-Lee,
I have learned that writing down your goals for the next day before you sleep is effective. Always do the most important tasks first. That's usually where the fear lies and once they are done the day takes on a more positive energy. Don't sweat the small stuff. If you don't get through the list, just forward it till tomorrow. I would also take a look at why I am so busy. The less busy you are, the more productive you will become. I have observed that people who are flat out busy are usually avoiding some internal conflict. Maybe this is not the case for you, but it's worth evaluating. We all find time in life for the things that we put the most value on. Hope this helps support you on your journey into prosperity.
Mary-Ellen,
Definitely a good reminder to me ... and you are right on that of late I feel more like I'm chasing the bus instead of driving it. 😉
Taking a few extra minutes in advance (bedtime) to set intention and priorities for the next day is key for me. Will add that ritual back into my evening beginning ... now!
Big Hug,
K
I experienced this when I quit drinking over five years ago. I just stopped wanting to drink that stuff.
Self-Discipline equals freedom for your life.
wow, I just recently discussed the difference between discipline and self-discipline. What is harder? To have the discipline to follow other people's orders (military) or practising self-discipline?
Seriously, the communism taught me discipline. I can now leverage off that and turn it into self-discipline. However, it doesn't mean it is easier for me. The non-communism world provides a lot of distraction and as Randy says ... immediate gratification.
I love that topic .. thanks for sharing Randy
It's been 12 years without alcohol and growing. Alcohol was hardly the problem, though. Accepting the pattern of my behavior was. Alcohol can easily be replaced with other vices. Applying discipline in growing to a better existence has been key. As far as struggles now? Procrastination at times, served with ice cream.
Live it LOUD!
How did you stop drinking?
I started quit drinking alcohol 1988 and it took me 18 years to understand that I was suffering from a chronic condition - alcoholism . The main symptoms where not the amount or when I was drinking.
It was a selflying selfbetraying excistence and a fight against the abuse of alcohol.
When I gave up controling my drinking and did a honest 12 step program i was cured from my obsession - not from the condition.
The selfdiscipline lives on daily basis and routines and it has kept me released from needing to drink alcohol since 4 years.
So selfdisciplin keepes me out of trouble every day - one day at a time...
I've been following Randy's Blog for a while. This is single handed the most amazing post I've read in my life.
eating and speaking