I remember learning about discipline and faith as a kid in Sunday school. Then, it meant to have faith in things I couldn’t see and to not sin or I would be disciplined. At least that is what my eight year old mind thought.
Last year I heard them spoken by a guest on a Tim Ferriss podcast. I don’t remember who his guest was, but his story and application of the two words stuck with me.
He had Discipline and Faith tattooed on his arms somewhere he couldn’t help but see and they were a constant reminder to him. They conveyed a message to him. They motivated him.
Life is not difficult, mastering myself is
I won’t try and describe why he did this, but those two words infected me. When I heard his story the words discipline and faith were burned into my brain. Later, I took a marker and wrote the words on the mirror in my bathroom and I write them in my journal before every entry. These two words motivate me.
What does Discipline and Faith mean to me?
Discipline and Faith are circular and inseparable. Together they provide direction and accomplishment.
Faith frees me to be confident in myself and believe in a process or a goal. When I am disciplined, I start the process or goal and I relentlessly work on it until it is finished.
For example, I had faith that I could create a self-branded blog and website. It was important to me, I envisioned it, and I was disciplined enough to make it happen. There were many ups and downs to include false starts, worries, and doubts, but I stuck with it. And, I will continue to stick with it.
How do I apply Discipline and Faith in my life?
Have you ever had a goal, like losing weight or getting into shape, and failed to achieve it? If your answer is yes, was it because you didn’t believe in the process? Perhaps it was because you failed to act and/or didn’t maintain a healthy diet. I once heard Stan Efferding say, “the best diet is the one you follow.”
For me, success is largely based on having enough discipline to take action.
Having faith and discipline written on my mirror and in my journal are my own call-to-action. The phrase resonates and motivates me to believe in myself and to take the necessary action until I succeed.
Does knowing and understanding the power of discipline and faith guarantee success?
Unfortunately, not even close. Maybe that’s why the guy tattooed the words on his arms, because self-mastery is a bitch.
A Game Called Life
I often compare my life to that of a character in a video game. The character does whatever the controller tells it to do. Jump, move, run, fight. It levels up and gains skills. Simple.
So who is controlling me in my game called life? Am I?
The game of life is easy, right?
Want a six pack? No problem, I’ll fuel my body, lift weights, and live an active lifestyle until I have a six pack.
Want to be a millionaire? Too easy, I’ll educate myself, save money, and invest in real estate.
Want to write a book? Awesome, all I need to do is dedicate X amount of time everyday until it’s finished.
Want to write a good book that others will actually read and enjoy? Uggh, too tired. I’m sapped after a long day’s work. Think I’ll just sit down, watch some tv and have a beer.
Unfortunately, the last example happens far too often.
But, there are so many people out there who have written great books, have six pack abs, and are millionaires, right?
That’s because they act. They maintained enough disciplined to achieve their goals.
Summing Things Up
In the end it all comes down to vision and action. Where am I going and how I am getting there. The true key to success is self-mastery, which is illusive.
I use the words discipline and faith as a mechanism to master myself and take action until I have succeeded. Hopefully, I can be successful enough without having to tattoo the words on my arms.
