The Diamond of Discipline

One of the most costly and valuable gemstones is the diamond. Formed under tremendous pressure, heat, and time, it is a wonder to behold. It possesses brilliant facets and perfect clarity. The better the diamond, the more perfect and flawless it is.

And isn’t the same true for discipline? Gyms across the world have posters that announce, “No Pain, No Gain”. This is a true statement that anything worth doing is worth doing well and takes an investment of time, energy, and discipline. But the results will be worth it!

Any successful venture—from weight lifting to building a business—requires discipline to succeed. I love what the Bible says about discipline in Hebrews 12:11, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Where are you leaving discipline by the wayside? What processes that worked initially as you started your business (and worked so well) have you forgotten to pursue? In the rapid pace of life and business today, the “I’ll get around to it” never seems to quite come around again.

Here are 4 key disciplines to consider…or reconsider…to keep your ship sailing smoothly. These are all interconnected and equally important:

• Time.

As 14th century poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote, “Time and tide wait for no man.” We all have the same amount of time each day and each week. How you use it will affect your reputation, bottom line, and success. So, do you use a day planner or app to schedule your events? Do you time block when you are working on your business, working in your business, and recovering (time off business) from your business. I learned these from being a client of ByReferralOnly.com

Do you eliminate time wasters or delegate to others what doesn’t need your personal attention? I’ve heard these convicting words, “You either have an assistant, or you are the assistant.” Have you learned to use AI tools to free you for the highest value events? If not, consider checking out one of several free 3-day AI events online this spring. Many of these allow you to buy the digital replays at a minimal cost to watch and apply over time. I’m doing one by Ray Edwards! And here’s the link to learn more.

• Financial Discipline

New York best-selling author and pastor Mark Batterson (one of my favorite authors) has his latest book in the stores, Gradually Then Suddenly. His books always make me stop and think. A key quote in this book is from Ernest Hemingway who describes how a man goes bankrupt, “Slowly. Then Suddenly.” In the same way that tiny hole can sink the largest ship not knowing your numbers, expenses, automatic debits, not living within your margins, and making rash spending decisions can torpedo your ship.

• Communication Discipline

In the movie Cool Hand Luke, the warden saunters out on the porch and addresses the chain gang by saying, “Gentlemen…what we have here… is a failure to communicate.” Failure to communicate in a clear, consistent, and appropriate manner with your team, customers, and vendors can damage vital relationships. Make consistent, clear, and timely communication with your team, clients, and stakeholders a regular practice and you will be certain to positively impact your business.

One of the most powerful communication tools to employ is a handwritten thank you note to clients and customers. Send them at every opportunity. When I sold real estate, I kept a box with stamped envelopes in my car to send immediately after an appointment.

• Execution Discipline

We all know the proverb, “Talk is cheap.” But it is the finishers that succeed in business, life, and relationships. When we talk about doing things but don’t follow through, we violate trust and lose relational capital.

To be known as a follow-through person, what steps do you take to ensure you complete your projects, proposals, and obligations with excellence? If you’re having trouble with this one, take some time over the weekend and seriously consider this. I guarantee it won’t be a wasted venture!

I hope this message has inspired you to examine your business practices to see where you can plug any leaks and sharpen your business approach. As Edward Lorenz, credited as the father of Chaos Theory, wrote, “A butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas.”

So, start making small, disciplined changes in your business and enjoy the surge of new revenue you can create and the lives you can touch.