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.
Tony Camacho
I left for bootcamp a few months after graduating high school. I served 4 years with 2 deployments overseas. When I decided to join, I decided to hold my self accountable in meeting their requirements for service. This meant meeting a certain fitness standard. My service taught me a lot on self-discipline. Getting up at 3am to run a few miles or complete some intensive training sounds insane to most people but, eventually it just becomes a way of life. After getting out, some people maintain it and some don’t. Read more>>
Jordan Pickett
Self-discipline… arguably one of the most important qualities a person can have. If you do not have the ability to discipline yourself, you’re setting yourself up for failure in not only accomplishing your goals but in life itself.
You might be thinking, “well Jordan, people have other people to do that for them so they can just focus on the task”. Fair, but take the gym for example. Some people have a coach or gym trainer to create a meal plan, daily routine, a workout routine, etc. but the plans they create for you to follow, YOU have to do them. They could be at your bedside at 5am screaming for you to get up, heck, they could even throw you out of your own bed, but you still have to be the one to turn your brain on, get up, and choose to get stronger. Read more>>
Ramona Temple-gonzales
My self-discipline, was driven by a deep desire to rise above my circumstances and create a life beyond the limitations of where i came from. I recognized early on that success wasn’t handed out—it required belief in yourself, a clear vision, and relentless hard work. Instead of succumbing to doubt or complacency, I chose to push through challenges, maintaining focus and determination even when the road felt uncertain. My ability to stay committed to my goals, despite the obstacles,was my strength in God. Read more>>
Denver Cooper
This is a good question. I don’t really consider it discipline… for me playing music in any form was just my idea of a good time! Sure most people don’t sit 8 hours a day and play instruments for 20 years straight but, that’s how I was able to escape and feel important and powerful. Before I knew it I was doing shows and tours and recording and many other things. So my discipline comes 100 percent from a true love for the craft. Read more>>
Pierce Stephan
The biggest people I have to credit for my self-discipline are my parents, the epitome of self-made, successful people. My mother is a Vietnamese immigrant, having fled the country following the fall of Saigon in 1975, and settled in Minnesota with a large family. As the oldest of four children, she took on an obscene amount of responsibility from an incredibly young age, supporting her family through a difficult transition. My father started out in Wisconsin (with dreams of dancing in the ensemble on telethons) before moving from state to state throughout his childhood because of his father’s work as a truck driver. They both carved their way through their education and eventually met in graduate school, working towards their Ph.D.s while balancing late nights at the lab and working to support themselves. Read more>>
Ashley Henderson
My self-discipline is rooted in the morals and values imparted to me during my childhood by my grandmother and mother, and a strong belief in God. They taught me the significance of living purposefully, even in the face of challenges, detours, and unpredictable circumstances. This self-discipline has empowered me to cultivate intrinsic motivation, minimize procrastination, and effectively complete my responsibilities. I hold a strong belief in the uniqueness of each individual, and I recognize that no one can fulfill their role better than oneself. It is essential for individuals to share their perspectives and insights with the world. These principles represent a few of the affirmations I strive to embody in my daily life. Read more>>
Felix Graham, Ed.d.c.t.
One of the earliest moments of philosophical awareness I recall having as a child the realization of an eternal dream of mine: becoming the proud owner — at eleven! — of the dearly-desired horse I had begged my parents for over at least five years. And it wasn’t a gift, it was the result of my perseverance. While we lived on a farm, my parents were reluctant to get me a horse for obvious reasons: expensive, large, laborious, really expensive…and their firm belief that I wouldn’t take care of it, I’d get bored of it, I’d move on and the horse would be left to its own devices. I swore over and over that this wasn’t the case, and finally, in an act of desperation, when I was eight, my parents promised that if I completed a set of tasks to prove that I dedicated enough to be responsible, I would get my horse. Read more>>
Ehsan Bashi
My self-discipline comes from a combination of personal values, life experiences, and a strong sense of purpose. Growing up, I was taught the importance of setting goals and working diligently to achieve them. I’ve also faced challenges that required me to stay focused and persevere, which strengthened my ability to remain disciplined even when things get tough. Read more>>
Jordan Mishra Johnson
In college, one of my business professors taught us the analogy of the elephant rider. He explained that human brains are like elephant riders. Our rational minds are the ones “calling the shots” and directing things as the rider, but our emotional minds are like elephants which given its size and strength, can basically do whatever it wants even if the rider is trying to direct things. In order for the rider to maintain order, it has to take care of the elephant and make sure its needs are met, it has to train the elephant, and make sure it’s not trying to get the elephant to do impossible tasks that are just going to freak it out or exhaust it. Read more>>
Sharon Kung
My self-discipline has been shaped by many influences—my upbringing, my experiences as a dancer, educator, choreographer, and coach, and my natural curiosity. From an early age, I knew that my purpose was in the arts. No matter how my life evolves, dance will always be the lens through which I view the world. The goal was to dance professionally. I was balancing demanding ballet training with a range of extracurricular activities, participating in performances, competitions, ballet exams, while managing academics on track to attend university. This constant juggling taught me that discipline and consistency are not just abstract ideals, but essential skills for achieving success in life. I learned early on that, even if I wasn’t the most naturally gifted, persistence, coupled with consistent practice, was the true driver of progress and success. Read more>>
Maria Paula Suarez
I think my self-discipline is deeply rooted in one of my core beliefs: discipline is the purest form of love, especially self-love. There’s this deep sense of respect for yourself when your actions speak louder than words.
I was lucky to grow up in a household where my parents were loving, permissive, and gave me a lot of freedom from an early age. I partied a lot and found joy in instant gratification. They guided me and gave me a solid foundation for structuring my life, but when I decided to pursue art, I was on my own. My parents supported me as much as they could, but they had no connections or knowledge of the art world—this path was completely new for all of us. Read more>>
Angel Sessions
My self-discipline comes from my heavenly Father God himself. As I read his word in the bible he guides me into all truth. In this dark and cold world, we live in, you must have self-discipline and not give in to all the noise and negativity on social media and the world. Some people may try to guide you down the wrong path. You must stay on the point of your goals and do it for a purpose. My purpose is to make people happy and share God’s word through the music I release. Read more>>
Christopher Leib
I grew up as the son of two educators, one of whom was also a successful high school basketball coach. My upbringing was steeped in influences that fostered a growth mindset, making the contrast between a growth-oriented approach and a fixed mindset both evident and impactful. Over time, I’ve come to see self-discipline not only as a cornerstone of achievement but also as a vital ingredient for cultivating purpose and lasting happiness. Read more>>
