2011 Focus – Discipline

According to the Chinese calendar, 2011 is the year of the Rabbit. For me, however, it is the year of Discipline. In review of of this year, I found a pattern. I have great intentions, start well, but fade quickly and often find myself worse off than when I started. This frustrating pattern happened several time in 2010. What I need is better discipline.

I decided if I can overcome my lack of commitment and discipline this year, many of my other goals will fall into place and be successful. Therefore, I am launching a year-long study on discipline. Over the coming months I hope to share what I have learned, how to cultivate it and the successes and set backs along the way.

When I study something, I like to start by reading the definition. Disctionary.com lists a dozen. The few I want to focus on include the following:

1. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.
2. behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control: good discipline in an army.
3. a set or system of rules and regulations.
4. to train by instruction and exercise; drill.
5. to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control

I like the first definition quite a bit. Being disciplined requires a daily exercise or regimen. Being disciplined means sticking to the new activity, even when it is difficult. Every day must adhere to the new standard regardless of the weather, circumstance or peer pressure. Constant vigilance!

I believe the 3rd definition on the list is also key. I have to make positive affirmations, a new set of rules and regulations that govern my life. As I set up this new set of rules and regulations, I will post copies where I see them throughout the day. They will be written as if I already have succeeded and they are part of my life.

This year I will focus on this one goal. My favorite blogger, J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly, executed this kind of focus this past year. He described his commitment this way:

“Nothing else mattered. I didn’t have other objectives clouding my view. I set one goal, and I worked hard to meet it. I picked the one thing in my life that most needed change, and I committed to changing it.”

It worked for him. He made the progress he wanted. This is the success I want, too. Welcome to 2011 – The Year of Discipline.