August 1, 2006
The Balance Beam eXperience
I Always Do What I Ought To Do…
“I always do what I ought to do, when I ought to do it, whether I want to or not. No debate!” The late Walter Hailey of Dental Boot Kamp coined that phrase and even though I remember it, I don’t always do what I ought to do… Do you?
Last week I wrote about putting yourself under surveillance. A reader commented: “I’ve just gone out on my own, working for myself full-time. I’ve been really facing the challenge of self-discipline head-on.” Self-discipline – the ability to do what is necessary without needing to be urged by somebody else. So, let’s add another question to the surveillance checklist: Do you always do what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, whether you want to or not?
You see, self-discipline gets you what you want. Thoughts to remember as you plan your day.
- Remember the WHY you are doing something. If there is a carrot dangling, a big want, or a payoff out there your self-discipline will kick in. Your desire for the golden nugget will keep you in action and keep you doing what you are supposed to be doing. There will be no room for excuses.
- PERSISTANCE is a by-product of self-discipline. It keeps you on your path when the going gets tough or your enthusiasm begins to wane. Walk through your fear, learn from your obstacles, and refuse to give up. Remember the why.
- WILLPOWER is powerful. Go for the long term gratification rather than the short term goodies. Learn to say “no” to the now, so you can say “yes” to the future.
- Become a master of your MIND. Keep the positive attitude and the “I can” mentality and ditch the doubts.
- ASSOCIATE with disciplined people. Flock with the eagles, as Hailey would say.
- Take RESPONSIBILITY for your actions. You must answer to yourself.
- Make self-discipline a HABIT. Practice it daily and the rewards will be great.
No doubt about it, Hailey knew the importance of self-discipline. It is a character trait to be developed and followed daily so that you can have what you want. Life is too short to settle for less.
Showcase
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”
Jesse Owens
“The best motivation is self-motivation. The guy says ‘I wish someone would come by and turn me on.’ What if they didn’t show up? You’ve got to have a better plan for your life.”
Jim Rohn
“The first and best victory is to conquer self.”
Plato
“Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It's a state of mind-you could call it character in action.”
Vince Lombardi
“It is not enough to have great qualities; we should also have the management of them.”
La Rochefoucauld
Personal Reflections
I’m all over the map for this one. Sometimes I do what I ought to do, sometimes not, and sometimes I do what I am not supposed to do. In addition, I don’t always do it when I am supposed to do it. And the “whether I want to or not”, that’s a story in itself. Take any variation of Hailey’s phrase and I’ll nod my head in agreement.
I know what I ought to do, but I can still be challenged to do it. I let life get in the way, get side-tracked, get lazy, procrastinate, and/or juggle too many things and then nothing gets completely finished. Those are excuses, plain and simple. It is time to reign in the self-discipline and do what I ought to do. For me, it is remembering the greater WHY behind my actions that will propel me forward. Sounds like purpose, doesn’t it?
Have a fantastic week and do what you ought to do. No debate.
Stephanie
drszh@7steps2abalancedlife.com
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© 2006 Stephanie Houseman DMD