Favorite Inspiring Quotes
Discipline
Commentary by Peter Shepherd

“The secret of discipline is motivation. When a person is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself.” ~ Sir Alexander Paterson
Discipline is doing what you know needs to be done, even if you are tempted to be lazy or do otherwise. The way to get over inertia is to remind yourself of the need, the good reasons for doing it now. And to remind yourself how satisfied you will feel when you have indeed done it.
“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.” ~ Roy L. Smith
Starting with unconscious incompetence, in learning a new skill we progress to conscious incompetence as we begin to practice a skill we have decided to learn. Then we move on to conscious competence as we master the skill - this is where discipline is required. And finally we arrive at unconscious competence when we need to give the skill very little attention at all, such as when we drive a car. Without that discipline we do not gain the desired ability.
“With self-discipline most anything is possible.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
The distance between dreams and reality is called discipline. As Zig Ziglar says, "It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through."
“Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.” ~ Napoleon Hill
Remaining mindful instead of impulsive and distracted, you can stay on the path true to your conscience and caring.
“Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.” ~ Stephen Covey
Brian Tracy sums it up... "Self-discipline is the key to personal greatness. It is the magic quality that opens all doors for you, and makes everything else possible. With self-discipline, the average person can rise as far and as fast as his talents and intelligence can take him. But without self-discipline, a person with every blessing of background, education and opportunity will seldom rise above mediocrity."

Here’s some further reading on this theme...
Start Smart: Direction, Discipline and Desire ~ by Philip Humbert
I think it was Goethe who noted that, "Well begun is half done." As we begin a New Year, I want to encourage you to make it better, richer, more fun and more fulfilling than ever before--your Best Year Ever! But I also want you to be smart and effective about it. Remember, the poet suggest "Well BEGUN is half-done." Let's Start Smart! Continues