2. Discipline? Essential, if you want to live a successful life. But what are the necessary disciplines?
There are so many habits that if weaved into the tapestry of your daily life will yield optimum
results. It is not an exhaustive list, but by adding them to your life on a regular basis, watch out for
the transformation that will begin to take place as a result of the application of these disciplines.
3. Habit # 1 : Dare To Dream
There seem to be a lot of people in my circle of influence this year that are doing strange things.
Some are tossing in their careers, while others are even leaving their homeland in pursuit of their
dreams. They are daring to dream. They are daring to live the dream. I love being in the company of
such people who are willing to break out of the status quo. They’re my type of people.
4. “Have a definite purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment. Have a definite
plan, expressed in continuous action. Have a mind closed tightly against all negative
and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and
acquaintances. Develop a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will
encourage you to follow through with both plan and purpose.” - Napoleon Hill.
5. Habit # 2 : Grasp A Goal
Dreamers need to attach goals to their dreams, for they are the necessary building blocks required
to construct a fulfilled dream. Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year, and
underestimate what they can accomplish in ten years. Any great wealth takes between 7 and 10
years to develop. So start with a ten year goal, and then work backwards from there.
6. Establish a clear reason ‘why’ you want to achieve that significant
goal, because that will keep you motivated and focused
throughout the process of achieving that goal.
7. Habit # 3 : Pursue Your Passion
That’s where possibility is unveiled. That’s where potential is released. That is where the strong
get stronger. That is where the joy becomes more joyous. This is where you work harder, smarter,
and even longer at times because work has become attractive. Work has in fact been transformed
into a labor of love.
8. It is a fulfilling and satisfying place to be.
It is the arena where you love what you
do and you do what you love.
9. Habit # 4 : Take Charge Of Your Time
Those who control their days and how their days are spent control the state of their future and
their destiny. For if you can take charge of a minute you can certainly take charge of a lifetime.
And if you do what’s important first and foremost each and every day of your life, you will create
a significant and influential life.
10. Spending time is like any investment.
Wisely invested time leads to a wise life.
11. Habit # 5 : Live With Like-Minded Lovers
The company you keep on a regular basis is crucial to the success you achieve. They must be
members of your cheer-leading team. They must love who you are and what you stand for. They
are your supporters. They are to be dreamers and achievers in their own right who have your
best interests at heart.
13. Habit # 6 : Choose Wisdom
Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. In addition it
is exemplified by the administration of both common sense and good judgment. Let your
decisions be wise decisions. It is not always about choosing between right and wrong. It
can often be about choosing between good and best.
14. As a believer I am in a blessed position when it comes to accessing wisdom, for there
is a verse in the Bible that states that ‘If any of you lack wisdom, ask.’ That means that
whenever I am out of my depth I can gain access to a higher power !!!
15. Habit # 7 : Listen To Your Mentors
Mentors come in many forms, shapes, sizes and ages. None of us are an island, so make
sure that you listen up when your mentors speak. Surround yourself with wise counselors
whom you can draw inspiration and direction from.
16. Through wise counsel a way through
our difficulties was unveiled which
ultimately led to great success.
17. Habit # 8 : Never Take Love For Granted
I still date my wife regularly. We communicate with each other at the deepest of levels. We pray
together. We listen to each other. We talk. We hold hands. We sit together in silence. We hug and
embrace. We cry together. We plan. We dream. We love our children and their partners. We give.
We share.
18. But one thing we have learnt to
do throughout the years, and
that is that we never take love
for granted.
19. Habit # 9 : Resist Momentary Pleasure
Sex. Money. Power. All three can provide momentary pleasure. Life, to be strong and fulfilled, must
be built upon stronger stuff. All three play an important part in life, but if all you do is pursue the
momentary pleasures provided by these three, that have all at some time in history caused the
downfall of great men and women, then you are riding along a slippery road.
20. Sex is designed and to be used within the
confines of marriage. Money is designed
as a tool to not only get, but is a mighty
blessing to give. And power is best
administered through servant leadership.
21. Habit # 10 : Use Common Sense
Follow your first impression. Your initial gut feeling about things will in most cases be correct.
Trust yourself and be true to yourself, and if you wish to double check what you have decided to
do, then run what you feel past one of your trusted mentors for clarification. Most decisions are
not rocket science, and simply require the application of some good old fashioned common sense.
22. If it is your desire to live a life of integrity and to build good character, then use the power
of common sense to guide your decision making process. However, if you do happen to
make a mistake, then learn the lesson. That’s what life is all about – learning.
23. In order to abstract as much as you can from each day’s opportunities, you must develop key
disciplined habits on a day to day basis. No matter what upbringing you nave experienced,
discipline is achievable for your life if you really want it. Reflect on yourself and cultivate these
habits to make yourself a person, who has a disciplined life.
24. If you love learning, then you will
love the discipline that goes with it.