By Zig Ziglar

Discipline is the key.   The 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary defines “discipline” this way: “To instruct or educate; to inform the mind; to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits; as, to discipline youth for a profession, or for future usefulness.  To instruct and govern; to teach rules and practice, and accustom to order and subordination.  To advance and prepare by instruction.”  Bob Richards, the Olympic pole-vault champion, says that you will never find a champion who does not discipline himself.  Roy Smith says that discipline is “the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

Today, too much emphasis is placed on our rights and not enough on our responsibilities.  The world would be a wonderful place if we took our responsibilities as seriously as we do our rights.  The disciplined individual brings his own impatience and desires of the moment under control so he can enjoy the benefits of tomorrow.  That’s discipline.  R. C. Halverson says, “No man ever became great doing as he pleased; little men do as they please — little nobodies.  Great men submit themselves to the laws governing the realm of their greatness.”

Much of the music today expresses the theme “I want to be free.”  If we take the train off the tracks it’s free, but it can’t go anywhere.  Take the steering wheel out of the automobile and it’s under the control of no one - but it can’t move.  Think about it: The sailor has the freedom of the seas only when he disciplines himself to obey the compass.  Until he does that, he must keep his ship within sight of the shore.  Once he disciplines himself to follow the compass, he can go anywhere the ship will take him.  Man is the same way.  When we discipline ourselves to do the things we need to do, when we need to do them, the day will come when we can do the things we want to do, when we want to do them.  Think about it and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher.  He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

Quote
Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, and the day will come when you will be able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them!   -  Zig Ziglar