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I want to give you 6 practices for a disciplined life.

Know what is important

Do you know what is important? If you have not thought this question through mentally and in written form, it is likely that you lack self-discipline that will come from the answer to the question.Knowing what is important is the single greatest touchstone in your life.

Getting rid of excuses

If discipline is the highway that takes you where you want to go in life, then excuses are the exit ramps on that highway. There are a lot of exits on this highway. Here are some examples you may be familiar with…

• I’ll get started in the New Year
• I do not want to work alone
• I would do this if I had the energy
• I am too busy
• When I retire, I will start
• I am afraid of failing
• I do not know how

The way to know if you are using an excuse is to answer the question this way; “Will this stop me from  doing something that I love. If YES, then get rid of it!

Take action before you feel like it

You cannot always wait until inspiration hits you. Sometimes you act regardless of how you feel. Here three insights that might help.

• Think about the consequences of not acting.
• Focus on doing the right thing just for today.
• Make yourself accountable to someone for your weak areas.

Don’t let distractions distract you

Author Brian Tracy wrote, “Successful men and women are those who work almost all of the time on high value tasks. Unsuccessful men and women are those who waste their time by wasting minutes and hours each day on low value activities.”

Be aware of time

Every self-disciplined person that I know is aware of time. Success breads time consciousness. Successful people know how to spend the time they have and they understand that every minute counts. If you want to maximize the time you have then do these two things continually….

1. Set Expectations Up Front – start setting expectations for yourself and others up front. This allows you to compress the time you have so that your focus is optimal.
2. Set External Deadlines – So much of what we do in life has no deadlines, therefore the task is pushed off. When hard deadlines are set it is amazing at the work gets accomplished.

Follow through, even when it hurts

Self-discipline is the fuel that keeps us going. The willingness to hold on in spite of the problems, the power to endure, is a winner’s quality. Say to yourself each day, “This day is not over until I complete each task that I have assigned myself.” Stay true to your commitments with yourself. You cannot manage your life if you do not manage yourself!

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!