We all have dreams in life. Be it starting a business, mastering a skill, getting fit, or excelling in a career. We all carry a vision and the kind of life we intend to live. Having dreams, as you will agree with me, is not enough. The gap separating where you are currently and where you intend to be is often crossed by one key factor: self-discipline. That is the bridge that connects your goals to reality – without it, even the greatest of all dreams could slip through your fingers.
Self-discipline transcends forcing yourself to do things you would not have ordinarily done; it is aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals, even when motivation disappears. Imagine this: when many people first set out to achieve something, they are highly motivated. But what then happens when the initial excitement and paparazzi wear off? This is the moment that self-discipline steps in, and ensures that you keep going, even when it appears difficult, inconvenient, or downright uncomfortable.
In this article, we’ll look at why self-discipline is the foundation, a great step to achieving any dream, and share real-world examples of how this critical factor and trait has changed lives. You will also find actionable steps to develop your self-discipline to take that all-important step toward turning your dreams into reality.
The Reality of Dreams Without Discipline
Many people erroneously believe that talent, intelligence, or luck are the primary drivers of success. While these factors contribute, to the truth, self-discipline most times determines who makes it and who doesn’t. Take, for instance, two individuals with similar talents but vastly different outcomes.
Consider the case of Ayo and Uche, two Nigerian students who both dreamt of becoming medical doctors. Ayo, who was naturally bright, excelled in his courses. Uche, on the other hand, struggled academically but had to study harder to keep up. However, as the semesters rolled by, Ayo became complacent. He often skipped study sessions and relied on last-minute cramming, believing that his natural intelligence would carry him through. Uche, on the other hand, stuck to a strict study schedule, sacrificing all comforts and time with friends to ensure he fully understood each concept.
At the end of their studies, Uche had not only caught up to Ayo but surpassed him in many aspects. While Ayo’s grades suffered great setbacks as a result of his lack of consistency, Uche graduated tops of his class – thanks to his disciplined approach. This was not because Uche was smarter – he simply had more self-discipline, and that made all the difference.
This example shows you that raw talent or initial enthusiasm can only take you so far. Discipline, however, is the key and engine that keeps you moving forward, even when the road gets tough.
Self-discipline simply means the ability to control your actions, emotions, and thoughts in pursuit of a goal; it is about doing what requires to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. This could mean waking up early to do some exercises, practicing a skill for hours each day or sticking to a budget, even when you would have rather been doing something else.
At its core, self-discipline again is about prioritizing long-term rewards over short-term comforts. This is what makes the difference between those who only dream and those who actually make their dreams a reality. But here is the good thing about it: self-discipline is not something you are born with or innate. It’s a skill that can be developed over time, with practice and patience.
Real-World Examples of Self-Discipline
- Serena Williams – One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Serena Williams’ success wasn’t just a result of her natural athleticism. From a young age, she developed an incredible work ethic, engaging in training for hours each day. Even when her body was tired, and her mind was exhausted she persisted. She disciplined herself, ensuring she stayed focused on her goal of being the best, which is why, irrespective of the setbacks and injuries, she remained at the top of her game for decades.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – The Nigerian author of international repute, with global bestsellers like Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah didn’t become a celebrated writer overnight. Years of disciplined writing marked and lacerated her journey to literary stardom. Even when she faced rejection from publishers and struggled with writer’s block, she ensured that she wrote consistently, sharpening her craft over time. Her disciplined approach to writing is what has transformed her into one of the most influential voices in modern literature.
- Dapo, the Entrepreneur – Dapo, a young entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria, had a vision of starting his own tech company. At completion of his studies, he saved every dime he could and invested time in learning about the tech industry. While his friends were out there enjoying all the comforts, Dapo immersed himself in reading books, attending workshops, and coding late into the nights. His disciplined approach paid off. I am happy to tell you that today, he runs a successful startup, and often recalls how self-discipline was the foundation of his journey. “It wasn’t easy saying no to distractions,” he says, “but it was necessary if I wanted to achieve my dream.”
How to Develop Self-Discipline
We now understand the importance of self-discipline, the next question is: how do we develop it? Here are some key strategies:
- Start Small – Developing self-discipline doesn’t happen overnight. Start small with manageable goals that require discipline, like committing to waking up 30 minutes earlier each day or setting aside time to read for 20 minutes every day. Over time, these small habits will build up and make larger tasks more manageable.
- Set Clear Goals – It is hard to stay disciplined without a clear vision of what you are working towards. Pen down your goals and break them into actionable steps. For instance, if your goal is to start a business, break it down into smaller tasks like saving money, conducting market research and creating a business plan.
- Remove Temptations – Discipline becomes easier when you reduce distractions. If you are trying to concentrate on work, turn off your cell phone or block distracting websites. If you intend to eat healthier, remove junk foods from your home. In creating an environment that supports your goals, you make it easier to stay on track.
- Hold Yourself Accountable – Accountability is highly important. Share your goals with someone you can trust, or join a group where members support and challenge each other to stay disciplined. Even journaling or writing about your progress can support and help keep you accountable.
- Embrace the Struggle – Discipline often requires making sacrifices and discomfort. Learn to embrace these moments, knowing and reminding yourself that they are part of the process. When you hit a difficult patch, also remind yourself why you started and visualize the rewards of staying disciplined.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of your dreams, motivation will get you started, but self-discipline will carry you through to the finish line. It is not always easy – there could be days when you want to quit, when the path forward seems too rough and long, and the rewards appears too distant. But remember, every great achievement requires consistent effort, focus, and sacrifice.
Self-discipline should not be regarded as a burden but a powerful tool that puts you in control of your destiny. It is the daily tonic and actions, the small choices, and the sacrifices that lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether you are striving to excel in your career, starting a business, or to achieving personal growth, self-discipline is the great step toward making your dreams a reality.
So, as you stand at the threshold of your aspirations, ask yourself: “Am I ready to stay the course?” Because once you commit to a disciplined life, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
Written by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, CEO/ Lead Consultant, Eugene + George Consulting Limited (www.eugenegeorgeconsulting.com)
