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.
Lauren Elizabeth Harris
I think self-discipline cannot be taught. It comes from the examples in your life. My mom was incredibly persistent in her career and throughout her congressional run, and balanced her work ethic while being a mom. She put herself through college and her PhD while working multiple jobs. Through watching her, I developed the same persistent work ethic. I think this is why the phrase “leading by example” is so vital. Read more>>
Lou Heintz
I have been a very self-disciplined person dating back to my childhood. Perhaps I inherited this trait from my father as his side of the family is German and they are generally known to be self disciplined. When I approach a project or need to solve a problem I try to do so in a very organized and logical way. That approach helps me stay focused on reaching the solution I am looking for. When I am working, I utilize a process I have developed through the years and follow this plan step by step until I have completed the job. Also I am constantly evaluating this process and am willing to change if I see a better way to reach my goal. Read more>>
Montrael Kirk
I’ve been through a lot of hardship in my life starting with a confusing family dynamic, and a physically and verbally abusive stepfather. It led to me being independent and mature at a really young age, but also very observant and alone. I spend most of my impressionable years keeping to myself, and just getting by till the big shift in my life. For years I was told my stepfather was my father and I thought I wasn’t wanted. I discovered he wasn’t my father and my mind shifted because my life was being controlled by someone who had no business being in it. I considered all the miss opportunities, me not expressing myself more, trying new experiences, and just loving myself. Read more>>
D’Sean Ross
My father, he was a marine in the way he instill discipline, just carried over to my adult life and because I was a athlete and you have to have a level of discipline to get to the collegiate level Read more>>
Shanee’ Wilson
When I think of my self discipline, I think of my dad and all that he instilled in me as a child. My dad was very much so a zero tolerance kind of man. Having fought in the Vietnam war and having so much resilience himself, he is the person who taught me effort in entirety. My entire life I watched my dad work extremely hard to provide for our family, be there for his children and actually enjoy all that he was doing. He was never the absent father that would miss a thing which showed me discipline. Read more>>
Kevin Kendall Smith
I have to admit that my self-discipline is definitely not innate. I was not born with it. In fact, it is still something that I continue to work on every day. I think as I have gotten older, I have often learned the hard way, which is to say I have only failed when discipline goes out. I think when I was younger, I got away with a lot. I managed to survive on talent and what some would say was just pure luck. Read more>>
Mercedes Shanae
For me, my self-discipline comes from a combination of my upbringing, personal experiences, and daily habits. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication, which has helped me develop a strong sense of discipline. Read more>>
Arielle Silver
I think my self-discipline comes from three places and times. The first is that I was a classically trained woodwind player from an early age, and I had teachers that brought to my attention the fact that learning an instrument requires daily practice.. My teachers have always taught me that growth comes from small incremental steps. Read more>>
karlon mcdonald
In essence, my self-discipline is deeply rooted in my passion for art history and cultural exploration. By studying the great artists of the past and immersing myself in the richness of various cultures, I have not only expanded my artistic horizons but also developed the determination and perseverance needed to excel in my own creative endeavors. This ongoing journey of discovery continues to fuel my self-discipline and serves as a constant source of inspiration in my artistic pursuits. Read more>>
Raymond Chambless
Myself discipline comes from my stepfather that raised me since I was two years old. He taught me to do the best. I can do anytime that I do anything. Even if it isn’t good enough I still do the best that I can do and at the end of the day, I can honestly say that I put for my best effort even if I fail, I know that I succeeded because I did the best that I could do. Thanks to my stepfather. Read more>>
Cayla Cummings
Growing up I was actually homeschooled. Or, more specifically, “unschooled.” The theory behind this is, while learning, a child should be given the flexibility to ride the wave of their curiosity on a topic. This meant that I was allowed to study biology for a week and then geography for two months, instead of one hour per subject each day. With this relaxed structure came a sense of personal responsibility for my own time and regulation. Because I wasn’t being told what to do or where to be, I found myself always searching for and creating my own structures for productivity, which is a practice that has followed me into adulthood. Growing up this way fostered a deep sense of self-motivation, love of learning, and room for calculated risk. I find that my self-discipline stems from this part of my childhood Read more>>
Michelle Okpare
Self-discipline, for me, is cultivated through persistence, hard work, motivation, and taking consistent action despite external distractions. I work from home. Read more>>
Katie Wilson-Barge
My self-discipline as a small business owner comes from a commitment to daily habits that align with my business goals and a belief that success is the result of consistent, intentional effort. By following routines, setting clear goals, managing my time wisely, staying accountable, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support, I’ve built a strong foundation for self-discipline that has been essential to my entrepreneurial journey. Read more>>
