“What we do upon a great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self discipline” -H.P. Liddon
The 3 Components of a Disciplined Life:
Disciplined Thoughts
Disciplined Emotions
Disciplined Actions
Discipline in our thinking, emotions and actions leads to productivity in our lives that gets us where we want to go in a timely manner. Simply stated, discipline is doing what we don’t necessarily want to do in the moment, so that we can do what we really want to do in our future. As a coach, I understand that championships are won long before a team steps on the field in front of cheering fans. Championships are won in those quiet moments of preparation when no one is watching. Discipline is why champions are able to work and sacrifice when others are not. Champions know that discipline is a sacrifice we make for the greater good and is an investment in the future.
Discipline begins with our thinking. Action comes from what we think and believe. Our thinking process and focus on goals creates a disciplined mind. A disciplined mind in turn is able to focus on what needs to be done now in order to secure our goals in the future. The daily work we do is either moving us forward towards what we want or delaying us from accomplishing our goals.
Disciplined thinking leads us to be disciplined with our emotions. The ability to control our emotions keeps us focused in all circumstances. We either control our emotions or are controlled by them. Having the ability to put things in perspective puts us in control of our emotions. One of my assistants used to tell our teams before big games that there were a billion people in China that didn’t even know our team was playing. This helped our players understand that while the game was a big moment for our team and our community, it was just a game. When we master our emotions, we thrive in the big moments because while we are nervous, we use it to heighten our performance. On the contrary, those that don’t control their emotions, fall apart in big moments. PMA teaches us to master the control of our innate emotions to be positive and proactive. This leads to success when we are tested and thriving in the clutch.
Controlling our thinking and emotions directly relates and leads to being disciplined in our actions. This is what separates consistent winners from flashes in the pan. Anyone can have short term success, but only the disciplined have great careers. Being from northeast Ohio, I like to ask our players if they know who Joe Charboneau is. Usually no one knows. I then ask them if they know of Cal Ripken Jr. Almost all of our team has heard of him. I then proceed to tell them that they have one thing in common: they were both the Rookie of the Year in major league baseball (Charbeneau in 1980, Ripken in 1982). Both of these men were great talents and broke into pro baseball with a bang. However, while Ripken went on to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Charboneau was out of the major leagues within three years of winning the award. The key factor that separated the careers of these two men was not talent, but discipline. Charboneau got a taste of success, became complacent, liked the party life and had no discipline in his actions. Ripken, on the other hand, used his early success to springboard his hall of fame career. He did this by being disciplined and honing his craft. Both of these men had a great opportunity. One seized it while the other lost out. Discipline of action is doing what you need to do regardless of the situation, especially when no one is watching.
Discipline of action also involves great focus. Winners have an uncanny quality of being able to focus on the task at hand even when it seems mundane and boring. Being able to focus on the details is a quality that the great ones all have. John Wooden, possibly the greatest coach in the history of the sporting world, is known for his complete mastery of every detail in his program. A well known story discusses how Coach Wooden would spend the better part of his team’s first day of practice each year teaching them how to put on their socks and shoes properly. He did this so his players would not get avoidable injuries to their feet and ankles that would cause them to miss practices or games. It is hard to argue with the logic of a coach that won ten national championships in a twelve year period. Sure, his teams had great talent, but their discipline was legendary.
Having discipline in our thoughts, emotions and actions puts us in position to be successful and puts our goals within reach. The ability to make good choices comes from discipline. When discipline becomes a habit, we become successful for the long haul.
Win with PMA 