One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some of the most inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs where their self-discipline comes from.

Alaen Ledesma Fernandez

My self-discipline comes from ballet. Without a doubt, taking ballet classes every morning at 9am for many, many years of my life gave me the self-discipline, responsibility and self-control that I have today. Now, although in a different way, I get up every day in the morning to do exercises with the weight of my body. I stretch and go for a little run. This is how my day and my routine begin in Key West, Florida, the beautiful island where I live Read more>>

Plug Chapman

I think it comes from watching others mess up their lives with habits and vices. ANYTHING can be enjoyed just in moderation. I’ve always had the ability to walk away from thing but that didn’t come easy. One of the most valuable lessons a man must learn is when to walk away. Mine came in the form of people, not love and relationships…people. I had to realize it was ok to distance myself from them no matter who they were. Read more>>

Angela Abeyti

Now that I think about it, I really feel I began fostering this during my time in martial arts, actually! Growing up, I begged my parents to sign me up for a Karate Dojo just like many other kids in the 90’s. And just like many other kids – After much refusal of every other sport on my end, my Dad caved and signed me up for karate courses through the city. Difference is, I wound up continuing into adulthood hahaha! Read more>>

Josh J. Holm

One of my favorite quotes that I’ve kept close over the years is “Freedom is on the other side of discipline.” To me self discipline is found in the everyday hustle and dedication to your craft. On hard days I imagine myself living in the moments I’ve dreamed about for so long, then I put my head down and get back to work. Read more>>

Chioma Egege

My self-discipline stems from my drive and desire to help others. Orphaned at the age of 17, all I had was God, and I was forced to make many hard decisions that helped me develop a go-getter mentality. Being on my own at such a young age gave me a level of self-awareness, responsibility, and accountability that I could not have acquired in any other way. I had to hold myself accountable for every aspect of my life because there was no one else to do so. Every day, I try to honor my parents and ensure that everything they worked for will not be in vain. This has taught me to give my all in everything I do, and leave the rest to God. I do everything with passion, especially within my business. I poured all my emotions into my business and am beyond grateful when I think about how it has grown. The best way to show my gratitude is by pursuing everything wholeheartedly. I also want to help and encourage others while making a change in this world, and that requires self-discipline. Read more>>

Sam Carrell

My self-discipline comes from growing up in a dance studio. My mother has owned a dance school since I was born, so I grew up dancing and in that environment. There is nothing that prepares you for life like the world of dance. Dance teaches you overall discipline, structure, focus, how to communicate, how to be a team member, healthy life skills, never to give up, and most of all, how to remain strong and positive, even in a difficult situation. These skills I learned from being in the world of dance have made a positive impact on all of my endeavors and make me more successful and driven throughout life. Read more>>

Mathieu Cailler

I think from two main sources, really: watching others and believing in my work. My mother and father have tremendous resolve and dedication to their professions and their day-to-day life. I remember my dad quit smoking one day–just like that. People told him it was hard, and he just said, “I’ll do it. I’ll never smoke again.” And he did. He has a powerful mind, and I think–I hope–that I was able to get some of those genes. My mother, too, excelled at her craft. She set goals and marks for herself and accomplished them. I observed all of this–whether I thought about it or not–and it played a part in my dedication to writing. Read more>>

AVE

Being an independent artist is very similar to being an entrepreneur and essentially being your own boss… So, it’s taken me some time to find a balance between pushing myself to work every day and giving myself the grace to do what a 23 year old does. I have to give all credit for my self-discipline to my many years of dance. I began with ballet and tap around 4 years old and then dance only became more life-consuming as time went on. Jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more got thrown into the mix and by 10 years old I was competing. I always joke that my dance teacher, Kristi, helped raise me because I was arguably at the studio more than at home! Throughout all of my developmental years, commitment, follow-through and self-discipline were ingrained in me. So to this day, I’m still dancing several times a week and the self-discipline from all those years drives my commitment to my musical career. Read more>>

Fallon Marie

My self-discipline comes from a place of wanting a better life for myself and my children which gave me determination and made me work harder. I always persisted despite my circumstances and was resilient. I thank God for being where I am today. I am glad that I took a leap of faith and listened to what God had placed in my heart. Success comes with small beginnings, so I keep that in mind every day and always know that great things take time. Having your own business can be challenging there are highs and lows. I make sure to stay motivated and prioritize so that I can work toward the life I have always wanted. Read more>>

Cameron Alyse MacNeille

After doing hair for almost 6 years I have built some important boundaries for my business and for my personal life! I attained my self discipline through trial and error with client boundaries. Once I created business hours for myself and set times to respond to inquiries I had a much better work/life balance! Read more>>

Michelle Unzueta

As a mom of two the days can be exhausting, I try to hear my own voice that says that after my own practice I’m gonna feel amazing, proud of my self and no matter how long is our practice that minutes makes the difference in our mental and physical health. I try to remember my self all the times that was hard to start but that ended with that magic feeling. Read more>>

Udenie Wickramasinghe

I have often suffered within set rules of life; repetitiveness, routine or having to follow others. My life was successful as a woman, a mother and a wife in today’s social standards and my religious upbringing forced me to “be happy with what I have” and bury any unhappiness because if you do complain you are just being ungrateful. I wish I was taught to be open and people around me were forgiving and accepting. When I was sinking in darkness I wish they at least noticed me, not depend on what I give them or drain me even further. I was deeply unfulfilled. This was a war I fought spiritually while I kept at my responsibilities, I was home to everyone. I was structured, disciplined even as a child. Read more>>

Tess and Alysa Trotter and Scanzano

While self-discipline can seem like a scary and daunting concept, it doesn’t have to be! To us, self-discipline stems from simply developing the right habits and systems. Even if these habits and systems are small, incorporating more and more of them on a consistent basis is what will help you reach new heights. Read more>>

Anthony Frazer

My self-discipline comes from the years of self drive and determination. For years, since I was 5 years old I have always wanted to be an artist. I wanted what my idols had Michael Jackson and Britney Spears. I wanted to make music and tour the world. I wanted to be the artist that inspired me to want more. That’s a pipe dream when you come from a single parent home, When live in a big city like Philadelphia. You get bullied, you feel left out, you self isolate and you turn your depression and anxiety on its head and turn it into the fuel you need to drive your passion and dreams. That’s where my self-discipline comes from. Read more>>

Maggie Espinosa

I wasn’t always self-disciplined. In my younger years I didn’t follow through on numerous projects that I now wish I had. This was the catalyst for my self-discipline. I hated letting people down, and more importantly letting myself down. I choose projects and commitments only with the intent of following through. If I don’t think I can take the task to fruition, I do not commit. Read more>>

Terrance Brahsun

My self-discipline comes being in the Navy. Going to the military, I knew that was one thing that I lacked as young adult. After high school, I wasn’t ready to go to college but I knew that I needed something to give me structure and get me away from home. Once you enlist, that cover from your parents is lifted. You on your own. You have to account for your own decisions. No one is going to help finance you. No one is there to tell you that everything is going to be ok and you can drop out if you want. No, you signed a contract. You have to honor that contract. So developing self-discipline was a must to be able to take advantage of all the opportunities that were in front of me from being in the military. Without it, all those benefits would have been taken away from me. Read more>>

Derek Pham

I believe that self discipline is simple but complicated at the same time. Through much trial and error, for me self discipline consist of figuring out what works for oneself and doing it again and with consistency. That means showing up to do that task or thing consistently over time. Progress is progress as we say big or small. The hardest part or most complicated aspect is the figuring out what works for oneself and doing it again and again, because like most of us we will have doubts or questions about what we are doing. Especially when it’s an area of uncertainty or vulnerability. Keeping it simple and work in seasons, be accountable for your own vision, take proper actions, and have hope and faith to move forward when you are experience a difficult season. Read more>>

Champ Panupong Techawongthawon

To be honest, I’m still figuring it out haha. I sat down and thought about it. I think it comes from many periods of time in my life. The experiences shaped me to become who I am today. One thing for sure I’m a completionist. I hate myself when I am not getting anything done or satisfied with my needs. I also learn and see from the best person, my grandma. She has five children. My grandfather passed away when my dad was very young. My grandma is a warrior. She never gave up on anything. She worked so hard to provide for and raised her children. Now she is so rich and retired haha. My grandma is also one of the reasons I can have a life here in the United States. My family also played another factor. When I was a kid, my family introduced me to console games. When I play video games, I feel like I am in the zone and I want to experience and see them all. I love it so much. Before I played video games, I finished all my homework or anything before my family wanted me to do first. Sometimes, I just finished my homework in advance in order to play longer each day. Read more>>

Alexandra Murrietta

I think because I used to do karate for 7 years and kickboxing for 2 years. I used to compete in karate-do competitions when I lived in Ukraine. I have 13 medals and 21 diplomas for my competitions in karate-do. Competing gives me a chance to see what I’m made of…I think sports and martial arts are an excellent way to improve your self-discipline. They train us to set goals, focus on our mental and emotional energies, become physically fit, and to get along well with others. Read more>>

Hardy Vibert

a combination of personal values and goals, life experiences, and internal motivation. My personal values, such as a desire to be successful and a good role model for others, motivate me to work hard and stay focused on my tasks. My life experiences, such as overcoming difficult challenges through determination and hard work, have also taught me the importance of self-discipline. Additionally, I have an internal drive to be my best self and to take control of my life, which helps me stay motivated to make good choices and stay on track. Overall, my self-discipline comes from a combination of these and other sources that have helped shape my values, experiences, and motivations. Read more>>

Abundio Munoz

As a child my parents were strict with myself and my siblings. Looking back I felt like I am miniature soldier. I was always up early and ready to tackle a task of some kind from cleaning re-organizing the house, cleaning a vehicle or yard work. I always felt that there wasn’t lots of laughter but serious matters in my family. At the age of 10 years old my dad enrolled me in martial arts. A sport that requires respect, discipline, and commitment. This would be the start of my life long career. the challenges, hurdles, ups and downs, and other obstacles, it took to move up in this sport required, motivation and drive. Through all the competitions for all the levels of belts through all the hard physical training and hard work of moving up to a different rank was a mental challenge and at a young age. With rewards in reaching goals, I receive my first-degree, black belt, March 28, 1982 when I was in the six grade. I built myself up to national karate competition teams, and competed all over the world. This was another huge step to move in up in my career. I got into another disciplined, the art of bodybuilding. Were this also took , dedication and commitment. I succeeded in this and did well. At the same time, I was building a business, many successful people that I’ve trained have guided me and giving me advice on making smart business decisions. Read more>>

Destiny Turner

My self discipline comes from my purpose. I have the need to keep going. I have goals I’ve set and I am outrageously disappointed in myself if I don’t achieve them. I know that no one is going to pull me out of bed and say “make your dreams come true.” Honestly, people have their own lives to focus on. But what helps me rest at night is knowing that I’m putting 100% of the gifts God gave me to use. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. I’m working now on giving myself room to grow. Learn through my mistakes and keep going no matter what! Read more>>