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.
Drew Huff
When I was younger, I focused on the outcome of a project instead of the process. This invariably led to rushed efforts, panicking at deadlines, and above all, a lack of consistency.
As I grew older, I began to understand that the key to discipline is in constructing useful systems/processes that focus on small efforts consistently. Read more>>
Chris Shirlow
The art of self-discipline lies in doing what others won’t.
Why?
So you can achieve what others can’t.
My own sense of self-discipline comes from a man named Sam — a man whose story would leave anyone in awe.
Sam was born in Korea, an orphan with no family to care for him.
He grew up in a kwonbeon, a home for children without parents, where his survival was a daily challenge.
Each morning, he and the other kids were sent into the streets to beg, scavenge, or even pickpocket just to bring back scraps. Read more>>
Erica Davis
A comment I hear from a lot of people is “oh you are so disciplined” or “it must be easy for you, you are a health coach!” but the reality is, it’s not! One of the biggest things I’ve done to stay aligned to my goals is to ensure that my goals are aligned to my identity (how I see myself) and my personal values. Instead of relying on motivation or discipline, I have learned to rely on something deeper… how my identity is tied to my goals. A great example is my weekly strength training routine. I can’t say I am jumping for joy every time I’m heading to the gym to work hard. But I’m not going because I feel like it. I’m going because I am the kind of person who values taking care of myself and someone who intends to live a long life independently. This shift in perspective has really helped me activate on my goals and stay on track. I also like to remind myself that I get to, not I “have to” when it comes to my fitness. I use these same tools when coaching women in mountain biking and as a health coach! Read more>>
Christy Charlot
My self-discipline is largely rooted in several key factors.
1. Personal Goals: I have set clear, achievable goals for myself, both short-term and long-term. These goals serve as a constant reminder of why I need to stay disciplined. When I encounter challenges or distractions, I visualize the end result and remind myself of the commitment I’ve made to reach those goals.
2. Intrinsic Motivation: My desire to improve and grow stems from a deep-seated belief that I am capable of achieving great things. This belief motivates me to push through obstacles and remain disciplined, even when faced with setbacks. Read more>>
Oswald Hunter
My self-discipline has grown significantly since I discovered a purpose that brings me deep fulfillment. This discovery happened unexpectedly during a challenging period in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. Seeking joy and a sense of normalcy, I turned to acting—an area I had always been passionate about. I began attending acting classes and participating in casting platforms, initially hoping to find a hobby. However, from the moment I started, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and safety, despite the initial fear of performing in front of others. This passion ignited a determination within me, making it clear that I wanted to pursue acting professionally. Read more>>
Renee A. Schuls-jacobson
I am very internally motivated, so self-dicipline has never been a problem for me. I tend to set small daily goals, so that I always feel that I am accomplishing something & then I set larger, long-term goals. I was an English teacher for twenty years before I became an independent artist, so I see the day as broken into four distinct blocks: Morning, Afternoon, Late Afternoon & Evening. On any given day, I allow myself to work 2 out of 4 blocks, ideally with a short break in between. This prevents overwhelm and allows me to stay creatively inspired. Read more>>
Leronda London
My self-discipline comes from being raised in church at a very young age. My mother would send me to church with my grandmother on Sundays, because she often worked. I watched my grandmother faithful read her Bible and talk about the Lord. We attended many church events. This was a stepping stone to create self-discipline for me. It has always stuck with me. I’ve always tried to do things the right way not my way. I’m not perfect, but I believe in myself. Read More>>
Emelly Velasco
Comes from commitment to good habits. Sometimes in the Art World and Creatieve environment is a misconception of habits and discipline. In my experience, the greatest treasures often emerge from pain, not as a poetic notion, but as the raw truth of transformation— one gets to decide the perception of every situation, where struggle carves out strength and hardship shapes resilience. My self-discipline comes from my acceptance of my chaos and my order. Read More>>
Neville Johnson
I have a successful practice as an entertainment attorney. I discovered and follow the philosophy of John Wooden, the greatest coach in the history of athletics who created the Pyramid of Success. He says success is peace of mind which is a direct result of doing your best to be your best, Key ingredients are hard work, enthusiasm and going after a great and difficult challenge. I liked his philosophy so much I wrote his biography, the best-selling “The John Wooden Pyramid of Success”(2004), Read more>>
Tabnie Dozier
My self-discipline comes from the promise I made to myself once I left the corporate realm to never settle for a life I don’t deserve. I’ve watched so many women in my family and in my network choose spouses, locations, job titles and situations that didn’t serve them or were beneath them and enter into a space of complacency. I refuse to follow that same cycle. Read more>>
