One of the most satisfying feelings in the world is being steady and disciplined in an important personal pursuit.
Nothing feels quite like knowing you’re right on track…
That you’re laser-focused, deflecting would-be distractions with ease…
It makes you feel like a superhero.
And in a way, you very much are.
Because you can accomplish amazing feats when you’re on point.
Ever been there? Where you felt like nothing could stop you? And if you did experience delays, they were seen as mere temporary inconveniences that were no match for your determination?
There are three main ingredients present when people find themselves in such a position.
First: enthusiasm.
Without a spark – without passion – for a project, we won’t get very far. Enthusiasm is the fuel we need to get going. It’s connected to our sense of purpose. When we have a strong sense of purpose, our enthusiasm is naturally high. When it’s not, no matter how important the project supposedly is, and no matter how much we know we “should” do it, working toward its realization feels like hot drudgery.
Ever been there? Ever had something that is really important – and you know it is, but for some reason you can’t muster the energy to get after it? It’s a tough spot to be in.
Second: self-discipline.
This is about your ability to consistently apply your efforts forward. It’s about the capacity to act. We admire people who have the discipline to stay steady even when things get tough, and for good reason. These individuals inspire us with their tenacity – their commitment to their goal or project.
When we don’t have self-discipline, we might start strong. We might be super enthusiastic. But at the end of it all, our efforts don’t amount to much. We just can’t get ourselves to put in enough consistent action to reach the critical mass necessary for significant positive results.
Ever fought with this particular monster? It’s a formidable foe, to be sure.
Third: self-control.
This is not about getting yourself to act. It’s about getting yourself to not act; to pass up on opportunities that would deter you from your primary mission. To say “no” to the seemingly endless sea of temptations you’re surrounded by. When you have high levels of self-control, you feel like you’re made of steel; nothing gets you off-course.
When we lack self-control, things can get downright awful really quick. We renege on commitments and promises we make to ourselves and others. We sell out our great ambitions for petty pleasures.
Ever dealt with this devil? It gets to all of us at times.
If you’re in a place today where you do have great enthusiasm, self-discipline, and self-control, you know it because you’re flying high – you feel like a stud (or stud-ette) most every single day. You wake up with energy and you’re fueled by the projects you’re working on. Your self-confidence is high as a natural byproduct of knowing you’re doing everything you need to do to get where you most want to go.
If you’re in this place today, congrats! That’s amazing. Keep up the good work, and keep being a great example and inspiration for the people around you.
If you are, however, struggling to get done what you know you need to, and are missing out on accomplishing great and important ambitions, ask yourself in which of these areas you're most lacking:
Are you experiencing enthusiasm-anemia?
Or is self-discipline AWOL?
Is your level of self-control less than inspiring?
Maybe it’s a combination of the aforementioned.
Once you understand, specifically, where the breakdown is occurring, you can develop a strategic plan to deal with it.
Most people don’t segment things out like we did above, and so a general malaise envelops them and makes the problem feel insurmountable.
I’m here to tell you – it’s not insurmountable, even if you feel overwhelmed.
Break the issue down so you can pinpoint where the change(s) needs to be made.
And then, make the necessary adjustments.
If you’re dealing with a loss of enthusiasm, or struggling to be more disciplined, or having difficulty with self-control and you don’t know exactly how to get out of the cycle, I know a great coach who is a master at helping people get back on track.
More info on this tall, dark, and handsome fellow found here:
https://www.bergfordperformance.com/about
p.s. some of you are right on track personally, but you’re part of a team at work that is struggling with this trifecta, and you’d like to help everyone get back on track. In that case, check this out:
https://www.bergfordperformance.com/speaking
Do the impossible.
– Brian Bergford