What’s your definition of the word Discipline?

At the time of this writing I’m on the flight back from a two-day mastermind with Dean Graziosi and The Edge Mastermind.com team.

On day 02, Dean opened the day by sharing his thoughts on discipline and ask the audience for their definition of the word, and as I listened to the various answers it brought up something interesting for me.

While there were many different definitions that were shared I subscribe (and I openly admit I’m biased) to the definition they taught us in the Marine Corp.

Discipline is instantaneous willingness and obedience to orders!

As you can imagine, we had that drilled into our heads over and over and over again.

But here’s the interesting thing that came to light for me this time around.

It’s instantaneous willingness and obedience TO ORDERS. To orders being the key part.

I.e. whatever or whomever is giving the order(s) is the one in control. Discipline comes from the instantaneous willingness and obedience to the order.

That means that if you don’t see yourself as a disciplined person, it probably has nothing to do with your willingness and obedience and more to do with the orders.

Back in Reflections 037, I shared my reflections on the power of direction vs. goals so let’s use that as an example.

If you’re giving yourself the order to lose 10 pounds, that’s a goal and if the command is to lose 10 lbs it’s not all that enticing for the brain.

However, if you set the direction of being someone who’s happy and healthy. Someone who walks around 10lbs lighter than you currently are. Someone who turns down late night snacks, chooses a steak over a cheeseburger, water over coke, etc then the command you give your brain is to move in the direction of becoming that person.

Now, I don’t know about you but becoming that person sounds a hell of a lot more fun then “lose 10 lbs”.

All this to say that sometimes it isn't the quality of your discipline that’s lacking, but the quality of your commands.

Direct your mind, adapt to the ever changing circumstances along the way, and iterate yourself to success.

Death - Before - Dishonor

To your success,

Nate

​P.S. If you’d like to share your reflections with me, feel free to email me at reflections@mindvaultllc.com as I’ll be happy to hear your thoughts. This email goes directly to me and is reserved only for those who read these Reflections.