The last, but probably most important, step in the self-leadership development process is self-discipline. Why is this part so important? Because without discipline you will lose the focus and motivation necessary to continue pursuing what you set out to do in the first place—become a better leader.
Who likes discipline? No normal person does. But the reality is, no great things are accomplished without a daily commitment to doing the things that will improve your performance. And no leader becomes a great leader without having the discipline to get better every day at leading himself or herself.
According to Craig Groeschel, “The path to public success is always paved with private discipline.” How true. And what a great reminder that off-stage discipline is essential for on-stage success. Achievement doesn’t happen overnight … it takes time and dedication. The same is true for leadership. Great leaders don’t just become great leaders—they work at it continually.
So, if you have committed to becoming a better leader, let me first congratulate you. The world needs more leaders who will lead themselves and others with excellence.
Second, let me challenge you to never settle for the path of least resistance. Leadership is not always easy, but it is so rewarding and fulfilling to be able to influence others to achieve great things. Focus on doing every day what you need to do in order to get better, to influence others in a positive way, to build stronger teams, and to shape healthier organizations.
And always remember … when a leader gets better, everyone wins! (Bill Hybels)
Quotes on Self-Discipline:
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” -Jesse Owens
“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.” -Harry Truman
“Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.” -Napoleon Hill
