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.

Ruth Truett

I am a food blogger. Food blogging and recipe development were a part-time hobby that turned into a full-time career and the only way this was possible was to have an extremely strong sense of self-discipline. Naturally, I am unusually hard-headed and fiercely independent. I like to say it’s genetic.

I grew up on a cattle ranch with two of the hardest working parents a person could have. I saw day-in and day-out, not only the sheer determination and immense hard work, but the discipline both my parents had to possess to make the ranch successful. It wasn’t easy. A lot of times it wasn’t fun. Read More>>

Colin Horst

My story of self-discipline isn’t a clear-seas voyage to success. As a young kid moving through middle school and highschool, I claimed a habit of putting things off until the last minute because I had this super ability to perform under pressure that was always vacant amidst abundant time. I would happily put things off until later because “I have plenty of time,” but this air of levity only lasted until the next time crunch set in. Read More>>

Patricia Stanley

My self-discipline is deeply rooted in a blend of personal resilience and professional adaptability. With a background in medical sales and healthcare marketing, I learned early on the importance of showing up prepared, even when no one is watching. That discipline translated seamlessly into entrepreneurship, where consistency is everything. Whether it’s shaping dough at 5 a.m. or building a brand from scratch, I treat each task with intention and trouble shoot challenges. Read More>>

Jackson Bivens

My self-discipline comes from failure. My mother always told me, “You get out what you put in.” There are times when we (humans) see someone else who seems like they have it all together and we desire that after self-reflection. Doubt, self-loathing, misery, and even loss can make you feel so small. So small, you overlook your accomplishments and how much you affected your peers. Read More>>

Francesca Mormanni

I built self-discipline early on because I grew up in the classical music world. I started piano at age three, then added flute and harp by nine—each of which I pursued seriously. From a young age, I had to develop the focus and internal drive to practice for hours—not because anyone told me to, but because I genuinely wanted to improve as an artist. There’s no way to fake your ability to play an instrument; you either put in the time or you don’t. Read More>>

Niilo Bäckman

I get my self discipline from the view I hold of life itself. I’ve come to see the world as a playground of possibility, where choices define everything. I’m firmly of the belief that you can use the power of your mind to bend reality itself.

In recognising this immense power we hold as individuals, it bestows upon us an unparalleled responsibility. We have the responsibility to become all that we could be, or to at least give ourselves fully to this endless pursuit. Read More>>