If you want to be successful, there are a handful of skills or virtues you need to obtain in order to achieve your goals. These building block skills are the solid foundation beneath all other achievements.
Take “honesty” for example. Learning to be honest, not just in word, but inaction will go a long way towards building strong, lasting, and necessary partnerships with other people.
“Communication” is another important skill that will carry you far in life if you master the art.
When it comes to leadership, one of the most important foundational skills you can develop is self-discipline.
What is self-discipline?
To put it simply, self-discipline is your ability to control yourself.
It is the mastery over self that allows you to:
- Make yourself take important actions.
- Avoid potentially harmful actions or situations.
- Maintain necessary habits.
Why is this important?
Because you won’t always FEEL like doing what you NEED to do. Simple as that.
As any successful leader will tell you, there are times when being a leader requires you to make choices that may not be popular or comfortable. You may have to develop habits in your personal life that aren’t always convenient or fun.
Self-discipline gives you the ability to do the hard things anyway, whether or not you are in the mood and regardless of the opinions of others.
Let me give you some examples:
- In order to be a more effective leader in the workplace, you may find that starting your day with meditation and exercise is helpful. This habit will require you to be disciplined about waking up in the morning and not snoozing your alarm clock half a dozen times.
- As the leader of your team, you know that making choices that match your company budget is not only important, it’s necessary. Sometimes this may mean saying “no” to other projects or opportunities that come across your desk. Your self-discipline will allow you to make the prudent choice, even if something else sounds more appealing.
See what I mean?
A self-disciplined leader is a strong leader.
Why?
Leaders are the model that the team will follow. If you want a team that is consistent, reliable, and hardworking, you must become that kind of leader. These skills are formed every day, one disciplined choice after another.
If you want to grow as a disciplined leader, jump on the waiting list for my Intentional Leaders membership program, where we support leaders who want to lead, mentor, and stay connected to purpose and community.
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
