Author Jim Rohn suggests that all leaders suffer from one of two ailments: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The good news is that throughout their careers, Rohn suggests, leaders get to choose how they prefer to suffer.
On a daily basis, leaders must choose between the self-discipline to achieve long-term goals or the self-satisfaction of attending to matters that bring fulfillment and gratification in the present.
No one chooses discipline or self-satisfaction all of the time, but a leader’s general orientation defines how they value the long term versus the short term. As a rule, discipline requires the willpower to deny short-term pleasure or comfort, while serving one’s immediate satisfaction requires a willingness to accept less achievement and success in the long run. We won’t reap the bounty of our efforts without the discipline to stay focused on them.
Author and former Navy Seal Jocko Willink suggests that discipline is freedom. What he means by that is by setting strict routines, keeping a tight schedule, and maintaining self-control leaders avoid the distractions, procrastination, and disarray that undermine success.
Moreover, by being disciplined in their actions and decisions, leaders can achieve an independence and freedom from things that can disturb their sense of well-being, such as overthinking, worry, and stress.
Very few leaders actually choose the path of self-satisfaction mindfully. Instead, they simply engage with less discipline than they should and therefore make the choice passively.
By not making the sacrifices that others do or setting the boundaries and routines essential for long-term gains, they wake up one day and realize they have fallen into a pattern of comfort over self-regulation. Over many years, they forfeit the success they could have achieved. Hence, the pain of regret.
Rarely do leaders have too much discipline in the way they lead and live. Discipline in one area, such as exercise or sleep, doesn’t always equate to self-regulation in other areas, such as saying no to unnecessary commitments or building a habit of responding instead of reacting. Discipline in many facets and areas is required to achieve long-term goals.
The key to enhancing discipline is to engage in honest self-review. Leaders must objectively call out where they lack important self-control and how they might find it. Knowing where in your leadership life your personal discipline is lacking is a great place to start. What can you do to create the willpower to set higher standards and tighter boundaries in those areas?
The pain of regret is something everyone should work hard to avoid. It all starts with a code of behavior that favors the long term over the present. The ability to do unpleasant things to build a foundation for success is what discipline is all about.
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