Many of the most impressive entrepreneurs and creatives in our community exhibit a high degree of self-discipline and so we asked some of them to share their backstories of how they developed their self-discipline.
Jocelyn Mitchell-green
My self discipline comes from my thoughts of failure. Ive realized that being an entrepreneur, if I don’t get things done, I’m not successful. The cause and effect of life come into play very fast when a guaranteed paycheck isn’t being direct deposited. Read more>>
Eric Yurko
Oh! That’s mostly just routine. I know that’s not necessarily the most exciting answer, but I find there’s a lot of calm in being able to set my expectations for myself and follow through. I also started making a lot of to-do lists during the pandemic, and that helps a lot with organizing my life. I’ve been trying to make my habits regular and manageable, though; for a few years, I was writing a lot more reviews than I could handle doing each week, and after I moved to Seattle, it became untenable to keep all that writing and photography happening when I was trying to do other things with my life and explore a new city. Read more>>
Chani Bentabou
My self-discipline started building when I moved to Israel at a young age. Adjusting to a new language and culture brought many challenges, and I quickly realized that hard work was my way forward. At 14, I began vocal training with an opera singer who showed me the value of daily practice to develop my technique. Training every day was tough, but it taught me that consistent effort is the only way to reach my goals. Read more>>
Marc Guberti
I set ambitious, long-term goals that require me to continuously work hard and improve myself. I also attach deadlines to those goals. For instance, I am in the process of learning Japanese and have made great progress. I plan on running in the Tokyo Marathon in 2026, and I want to speak and write Japanese well before making that trip. This deadline requires that I learn Japanese every day and continue to sharpen my knowledge in that area. You can’t cram language learning before a trip, and I have a desire to learn Japanese. It’s easier to be self-disciplined toward long-term goals that you enjoy pursuing. Read more>>
Julie Drake
It comes from my childhood. I grew up in a single parent/dysfunctional family and my mother struggled with a lot of issues. She wasn’t able to be there in any meaningful capacity so as a child I had no one to rely on, but myself. I learned from an early age that the person that’ll look out the most for you, is YOU. Not having a parental figure to help me figure things out and get things done created and molded me into a highly disciplined, self motivated woman. Read more>>
Steven Morris
My self-discipline originated in high school, specifically during my junior and senior years, when I established a morning routine that included weightlifting and swimming before classes. This commitment stemmed from my desire to enhance my strength for baseball, prompting me to adhere to a rigorous weight training program. Read more>>
Izzy Stefany
I’ve recognized that without hard work, there are little to no results. If you want to get more done, manage your time better. Get a planner or create a better sleep schedule for yourself so you can maximize your productive hours. If you want to get in shape, create a gym schedule for yourself. If you don’t take these actionable steps towards success, you’ll never get there. Starting small is the best way to start. You also have to be your biggest fan, and walk in like you’re meant to be there because you are. If you don’t believe in your art, it is rare to find anyone else who will. My self-discipline is rooted in trying to be better and better every day, and do as much as I can to propel myself towards success. Read more>>
Msp
My self discipline comes from learned behaviors in my everyday lifestyle, and the consistent effort to maintain focus on what is most important, even when faced with distractions or temptations. My set goal is what keeps me motivated to do what is right and have integrity within myself. Read more>>
Alishea Bush Deckman Brian Deckman
Self-discipline, for us, comes from both our faith and our desire to achieve excellence in everything we do, personally and professionally. As Christians, we understand that self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, where self-control is something the Holy Spirit works in us when we walk with God. This means that it’s not just about willpower—it’s a spiritual strength that guides us daily in how we live and work. Read more>>
Jen Hosey
My self-discipline comes from a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create something meaningful. Being successful has always been a huge goal for me. Growing up, I was taught the value of hard work and perseverance, and that’s stayed with me throughout my career. My parents ran a commercial paving company, and I witnessed firsthand the success they built through hard work and dedication. It wasn’t easy—there were many long days and challenges along the way. Even when business slowed down, my dad never lost his drive; he was always determined to get back out there, stay visible, and keep engaging with clients. His relentless work ethic and commitment to pushing forward have always inspired me and shaped my approach to business. Read more>>
