I believe you can have mentors that don’t even know you – people whom you watch, observe, and model for your own growth and development.
The ultimate extension of that is that you can have mentors that aren’t even living!
Today’s Powerquote comes from one of my mentors.
“Self-respect is the root of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Questions to Ponder
- How disciplined do you believe yourself to be?
- How easily can you say no to yourself?
- How can you use today’s quotation to increase your level of discipline?
Action Steps
- Practice saying no to yourself today. In small or larger things, override your initial reaction or desire.
- Examine at least one area of life where you would like more discipline. Write it down and then write why you would like more discipline there.
- Explore how you could use “no” more in that area of life as a way to build your discipline.
My Thoughts
The middle of January seems a good time to think about discipline, given that, by now, many people are already weakening on their New Year’s Resolutions. Really though, this topic is timeless, isn’t it?
Most people try to become more disciplined by “trying harder,” then, when they don’t succeed, they lose confidence, and “prove” to themselves that they “aren’t disciplined.”
This quotation gives us a better approach.
In one sentence, it identifies a cause, and outlines a solution!
It also hints, accurately, that by starting on that solution, you begin to build both momentum and proof of success that makes it even easier to maintain and build discipline moving forward.
If you want to be more disciplined in any part of your life, start by saying no to yourself. If, as a leader, you are coaching others to build new skills or behaviors (which requires discipline), help them with the same advice.
Each appropriate “no” builds dignity, self-respect, and proof. Stacking enough of those together will create the discipline you desire.
Kevin,
I understand the value of learning to say no for self-discipline. What about saying yes? I like to motivate myself by saying yes to the things I want. Yes — I want to be healthier and more energetic… so, yes to running. I want to build my business… so, yes to getting up early to write a blog post. Every no can turn into a yes.
Kevin – When I received your powerquote email today, I was just about to say yes to some chips…snack food. You see, I have been on a diet and have been doing very well, but today, I didn’t feel I could make it through. Your “Powerquote” today, got me through that hunger without that tempting snack and also will power me through to reach my goal. I plan to print it and strive to live by it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have made a difference today.
You are most welcome Teri – and congrats on your choice to say no to yourself.
K 🙂
Kevin, your Powerquote today is simply outstanding!!! I believe “no” is the other side every “yes”. Our success and happiness depends on how well we love and learn some few basic principles of life while integrating to way of life and nothing else. While running could make healthier and more energetic, we do have to say “no” to other disciplines which deteriorates and weaken our healthy and energetic life too. “Yes” to push the petrol gear and “no” to brake gear makes the car for full speed!!! Yes, your Powerquote did make a difference in the way I see life!
Good thoughtful advice… It reminds me of a Seth Godin post… http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2012/01/the-first-thing-you-do-when-you-sit-down-at-the-computer.html
A good place for me to start to say no – is in the start of my day… It is the time where I have the most energy and the most drive to be creative – This is not the time to check email, traffic stats or voice mail…