Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thursday Night Thoughts on Discipline 10/11/12

Whew! Yup, that's what I have to say after the last several of weeks. I haven't written in awhile and I am further reminded that sharing my thoughts with the world is the balance that is needed in my life. I am thinking the transition into my new role has played a part in the delay as well, but I am making it a point to get things back into balance. In most parts of the country it is fall, but here in the Valley of the Sun I believe we have finally seen the last of our 90 degree days for a while. Well, you know the saying, "If you can't stand the heat, then get out the kitchen." Guess, I must enjoy it cause I am still right here in the thick of things. Not surprising that I have a lot on the brain all of a sudden after a light went off in my head about a week ago. With me you probably have figured out that it doesn't take much for me to run with something. So I attended this meeting last week at work and surprisingly enough at the start we talked about the Monday Night Football game that the Dallas Cowboys appeared in. The conversation didn't really hinge on the game, but more or less what transpired over the years for them to become America's team. After going around the room talking about why the Cowboys aren't successful even with all the talent that they have currently, we reflected on their championship pedigree. You mention the names Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, and Barry Switzer and those coaches won championships and were known for discipline. Is discipline something that the Cowboys are lacking? Maybe? Maybe not, but it did generate some good conversation. So I started thinking a little more about discipline and what it has meant for me in my life. I remember little things from my track coaches like no matter what is going on around you to stay disciplined and run your race. Things will always happen around you, but how do you remain focused to reach your goals. Is discipline something that is ingrained in us? Is it learned at a young age? Can it be taught as we get older? I posed a few questions as I look at the state of our country and see that a lack of discipline growing up definitely shows later on in life. How disciplined are you? Are there areas in your life that you are disciplined? Where do you lack discipline? Do you find that you are more self disciplined? Or find that you are better disciplined when others are holding you accountable? All these questions still have me thinking about how I need to continue discipline myself in different areas of my life. Recognizing that discipline is necessary is probably one of the most important things we have learned. As you move closer to the weekend, remember to enjoy yourself and everything in your life. Smile in the face of good times and bad knowing that your faith is always being tested. It's the discipline in tough times, that will keep you pressing on in a valley while you are headed to your next peak. Be disciplined in whatever your approach to life is as long as you are living life and being phenomenal. #PositiveMovementsForward Always!! “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Jim Rohn “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” Buddha “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar “Many of life's circumstances are created by three basic choices: the disciplines you choose to keep, the people you choose to be with; and, the laws you choose to obey” Charles Millhuff “With self-discipline most anything is possible.” Theodore Roosevelt “Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested.” Tom Kite “The secret of discipline is motivation. When a man is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself.” Sir Alexander Paterson “Without discipline, no matter how good you are, you are nothing! One day, and I might not be around, you're going to meet a tough guy who takes your best shot. He'll keep coming because he's tough. Don't get discouraged. That's when the discipline comes in.” Mike Tyson “It takes tremendous discipline to control the influence, the power you have over other people's lives.” Clint Eastwood