If we do not discipline ourselves, the world will do it for us. – William Feather.
As I usually say, 97% won’t read this write-up because they lack the habit to read long articles! This is one of the challenges of sharing knowledge. But the 3% of the individuals that will read this to the end are folks who understand the concept I want to explore herein.
Self-discipline is a broad concept. It affects all facets of life. This is why I believe that self-discipline is a great personal quality. I call it the mother of all attributes. The attribute of self-discipline encourages people to follow a path, not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Outstanding individuals do the right things, not because the choice is convenient, but because it is the best path.
What do you think is the most important success principle? A lot of answers will naturally come up when this question is asked, but experience has taught me that self-discipline is the most important success principle. You know why? If an individual pursues 99 success principles and fail in self-discipline, none of the principle will work. You can take this to the bank!
Self- discipline begins every great endeavour. In the sequence that leads to success, the first is to conceive the idea, the second is to test the workability of the idea, the third is to design a plan, the fourth is to execute your plan and the fifth is to be consistent in doing what works and review and update where necessary. This is a model I have practiced as a creative mind and it works. But there is an element that is present in every stage. That element is discipline. Without discipline, you can’t get to the next stage in the sequence!
A lot of folks want to be successful. Many of these people want to reach the top easily, quicker than normal, and without developing the discipline to pass through required processes. This is what we see in today’s generation and it’s quite unfortunate.
Success in life follows a defined order. The precepts of success works for individuals who are willing to follow the path to success.
Self-Discipline is one attribute that distinguishes the beholder. Achieving your goals in life require that you first of all determine the things you want to achieve, then design a roadmap to achieving the things you planned, then consistently follow the path you created – that will lead to your destination. There’s no short cut to real success.
A lot of people lack the discipline to begin the first stage in the ladder. Some others begin the first stage but lack the discipline and staying power to continue fighting on – until they win.
Self-Discipline is doing the right thing even when it is not convenient for you. This is my best definition of self-discipline. The attribute of self-discipline will take you out of your comfort zone because you have developed the character of following the path that is detailed, thorough and lasting. Nothing great happens in the atmosphere of comfort! People who love Comfort Zone are not fans of Self-Discipline.
Seeking a life of comfort may not lead to outstanding performance. Comfort Zone begets average results. Run away from unnecessary comfort and be an extraordinary individual!
Successful people are intentional individuals; they are intentional in their actions. They are focused and result driven individuals. It takes discipline to be intentional. It takes inner-strength to be focused. These attributes don’t come easy. The good news is that every skill is learnable, so is self-discipline.
What I am saying here is something I have practiced over the years. When my mentor Brian Tracy told me twelve years ago that successful people live life of Goals and Principles, I decided to enhance the model. This model works if you know the path to self- discipline.
Living a life of Goals and Principles will not work if you fail to imbibe the character of discipline that will sustain the path. Nothing will work until the individual decides to work.
My life and career became a whole lot focused and planned when I understood the model of Goals, Principles and Self-Discipline. I was able to write two of my books in two weeks by applying this model. I was able to write The 25 Unbreakable Laws of Sales, the most voluminous and the most endorsed book on practical selling authored by a Nigerian! At this writing, I have written ten significant books and over three thousand non-academic articles and counting. I was able to do a lot of outstanding things because of following the precepts of this model. I am the convener of Nigeria Sales Conference, the biggest sales conference in the country. I couldn’t have achieved all this success without the attributes of self-discipline, the ability to set and achieve goals, and adhering to the right principles. I believe we all have what it takes to create the world of our dreams. The only challenge is that many people prefer to do the talking, without doing the work. They prefer to wish for success, without following the path that leads to success. This is not the way it should be.
The reason people fail to achieve their goals in life is what Brian Tracy calls “Someday Island.” Folks prefer to take the right actions Someday. They want to read a book someday. They want to improve their skills someday. They want to build capability someday. They want to launch their business ideas someday. They want to review their lifestyle someday. The problem is that someday never comes! Folks keep giving excuses without doing the necessary things that will make a difference. This is why I believe that self-discipline is the most important attribute that leads to success. It will give you the inner audacity to begin and complete a path you chose for yourself.
As you read this, I recommend that you review your score on self-discipline. Decide today to get better in self-discipline.
Let me suggest self-discipline tips. I believe they will add value.
Please try these steps:
1. Identify three habits you want to stop.
2. Identify three habits you want to start.
3. Ensure that these three habits( stopping the three, and starting the three) will have a major positive effect on your vision, mission, goals, objectives and core values.
4. Take action immediately!
5. Review your performance periodically.
6. Be consistent in following what works.
Experience has taught me that mastering self-discipline guarantees the achievement of your goals.
Move from good to better, then to best.
George O. Emetuche,CES
Brian Tracy endorsed serial bestselling author, accredited training consultant, sales and marketing expert; and convener of Nigeria Sales Conference.
Register to attend our annual masterclass on sales and marketing, business strategy, and performance efficiency. The masterclass holds at Toscana Hotels, Enugu on Saturday, 22nd August, 2026, and Dover Hotels, Ikeja – Lagos on Saturday, 5th September, 2026. Enquiries: call, 07060559429, see flyers, or visit our website. The value is massive!
