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.
Jose Valverde
From accountability. I used to think motivation was the only necessary force that would drive me but motivation runs out and you get stuck trying to figure out your next move so I began going to the gym and at first I didn’t see results so that frustrated me but I realized it’s a journey of hard work and consistence and accountability that you build up to your success and only you can build yourself up or tear yourself down. Read more>>
Karl-erik Leesment
My self-discipline comes from an internal drive to achieve my goals, regardless of external circumstances. From a young age, I recognized that no one was going to push me as hard as I could push myself. I have this inner voice that constantly reminds me to keep going, even when things get tough or when motivation dips. It’s the small daily actions, the commitment to staying focused, and the belief that each step forward brings me closer to my objectives. I’ve learned that self-discipline is about consistency and perseverance, and it’s been crucial to my success in both personal and professional pursuits. Read more>>
Victoria Seabrooks
For me, whether it involves personal or professional ambitions like modeling, acting or Model Insider, self discipline comes from figuring out what the purpose is for what I want. After that I write down the steps to achieve the goal so it’s more digestible! It’s like creating a roadmap that’s easy to follow since the smaller steps make it more realistic. I don’t get overwhelmed then start to procrastinate which results in no progress at all! Also surrounding myself with likeminded people or others with more experience than myself helps me stay on course since they’re my accountability partners. When I don’t stay disciplined I’ll feel some sort of conviction. Knowing whatever I’m doing can help someone else motivates me to stay on top of my stuff more! Read more>>
Caitlin Martinez
My self-discipline comes from being a business owner with only one employee— me. There are days where i’ve had a rough night, feeling a little sick, sad or just feeling down about myself, but at the end of the day if I am not self-disciplined enough to show up for myself and my clients the show does not go on. I am so fortunate and grateful for my clients that keep me booked about months in advance with that being said, I feel it is my duty to be reliable for them. In all honesty I wouldn’t be where I am today without my clients, you can do the best nails in the world but with zero clients you have zero income so I repay them with my self-discipline. Read more>>
Coach Lee
My self discipline truly comes from me … I have to prioritize myself because I have to put me first because I’m no good to anybody or for anything else if I’m not putting me first. The reality is that no one is coming to save me, so if I don’t get it done, who will? Read more>>
Katie Frondarina
My self-discipline comes largely from my father. Growing up, I watched him work tirelessly to provide for our family. His military background deeply ingrained in me the belief that if you want something, you have to work for it. Read more>>
Su Lee
My discipline comes from observing and taking inspiration from other people’s work styles and patterns. I recently had this epiphany that it’s super duper crucial to get input from other fellow artists as much as my own output as an artist.
I’m someone whose values self-sufficiency and is somewhat of a natural workaholic. That might work for some time, but it also makes me prone to falling into the trap of just create, create, create and never really allowing myself to take inspiration from other artists & musicians.
A little trick I have to boost my self discipline is that I put on vlogs or documentaries of other artists on silent when I’m working on new music in the studio. Whenever I feel like slacking off, I glance at the TV and it motivates me to keep working hard like my idols. Read more>>
Devin Bagnoli
The only person who’s going to make you a better person and grow is you, and the world keeps on moving and time goes on with or without you. So I try to give it my all for everything I do in life! Read more>>
Phil Thomas
I think my self-discipline comes from two places: my educational background and having ADD. I studied at PennWest Edinboro (formerly Edinboro University of Pennsylvania) in Graphic Design and Theater Arts. I was juggling my studio courses, an internship, general education courses, theater performances, being a member of a social fraternity, and being the president of the honors theater fraternity. I liked being busy doing anything I could and learning. I worked for about a year and a half as a graphic designer and then had a new goal: becoming an art teacher. Read more>>
Rayjean Morgan
When I was a child, I would get really excited about events or goals I wanted to achieve, imagining how it would go or what I would say. More times than not, I was faced with disappointment either because that event I was daydreaming about didn’t happen or didn’t go as I imagined. When I was maybe 10 years old, my mother’s friend invited me to an Easter Egg Hunt. I had never been to one as far as I could remember and got really excited to go. I was able to get a nice dress to wear, comfortable shoes, and I was ready to find as many eggs as I could, regardless of what was inside. I imagined every detail; from how many eggs I would try to find, to what I would say to other kids to make friends. Read more>>
Cedric Smith
I firmly believe my self-discipline stems from the understanding that life will have its ups and downs, but nothing changes until I take action. Sometimes, I reflect on the significant sacrifices others have made for me to be here and to have the opportunities I do. This compels me to do my part, ensuring that future generations can aspire to greater heights. Like many others, I used to procrastinate, but I eventually realized that growth does not come from staying in my comfort zone. Remembering the tough times and the lessons I’ve learned keeps me disciplined and prevents me from repeating the same mistakes. Read more>>
Ermis Martinez
My self-discipline sprouts from my history with sports. Growing up I wasn’t always the skinniest kid. Luckily, my parents attempted to enroll me in Pop Warner Football. As we went to sign up, I was told that I was overweight for my team and that for me to play under regulation I’d have to lose 20 pounds in less than 2 weeks. Now, as a kid and a parent that sounds brutal and inhumane for a 10-year-old, but I told my mom that I was ready to commit to the challenge. With that being said, I made the team and continued to play football for the next 9 years. After many difficult instances that challenged my self-discipline, I always remind myself that I am ready to take on any challenge. Read more>>
Levi Kirby
I believe self-discipline might be one of the single most important elements to a joyful life. Discipline is more important than motivation, because motivation comes and goes. Similarly, I chose the word joyful carefully, because I also believe joy is more valuable than happiness. Happiness feels more external and fleeting to me, whereas joy comes from within and is rock solid. I say all that to say, my discipline mostly comes from my desire to be at peace, which is ultimately what joy means to me. Read more>>
Gabriel Santos
My self-esteem comes from a different lifestyle. My parents were very strict and disciplined with me. Then I went to the Brazilian army where I learned a lot about discipline. I have always used this discipline to my advantage. I use this discipline at the gym every day, whether I am tired or have no energy, I always go and accomplish the mission. Read more>>
Victor Vonico Johnson
I love this question. Self-discipline is something that I have cultivated over many years and continue to enhance my self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to fight through how you feel about doing something and deciding to get it done anyway. It is getting out of bed when your mind and body are saying, stay in bed. It is deciding to stay home to work on an important project when all your friends and family want you to go hang out. Read more>>
