I never really thought about discipline in my life….until I kept having to switch to “crewed” status at vol state. I finally realized it was a mental thing and then I accepted that I didn’t have the mental discipline I needed.

As a result I spent a year studying and practicing the art of mental discipline and the following summer I was able to finish the race without switching.

The other area I’ve had to apply discipline in is in my daily hotline call. I don’t always have topics that I think are pertinent. But I have to come up with something. That’s a challenge but since I’ve committed to it, I find something to talk about. Doing that has taught me almost as much as doing Vol State uncrewed.

What are some (or at least one) area in your life that you want to get better at (in)?

Once you answer that question, then ask yourself what it will take to achieve that. Break it down into tiny do-able steps so you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Figure out how you can ensure you can do these tiny steps on a CONTINUOUS basis. That is the key to all success. Doing the same things over and over, knowing that mastery of the foundation is required to build the rest of the pyramid (for example). If your foundation isn’t solid, the rest of your project may come crumbling down with the smallest of winds of adversity.

Decide these things now before you declare that you’re going to do x, y, or z. Take your time. There is no rule that says you have to start something on the 1st of January. That is not the 11th commandment.

Last year I started my hotline on the 13th of January. People were probably wondering (if they thought about it at all) “who the heck starts something in the middle of the month?” I do.

Why? Because I was going to be at a 6 day race over the 1st and then when it was over i had to drive home and get ready etc. Why would I have wanted to set myself up for failure just to start on the 1st when I knew things just wouldn’t be ready.

Think of all your variables before you make your plans. Then nothing can stop you! You’ll have no regrets even if that one thing doesn’t succeed. You will have developed the skills (and yes you will have also worked out your discipline muscles) for your next endeavor.