Discipline Really Does Equal Freedom
Discipline is a word that scares a lot of people. And, it shouldn’t.
Take Jocko Willink and Eliud Kipchoge. A former Navy Seal, and a marathoner (ok, *the* marathoner). Two men who, seemingly on the surface, have little in common. Except, they know something crucial. And they both have said it in different ways.
Jocko: Discipline equals freedom.
Eliud: Only the disciplined ones are free.
How? Think about your calendar. You have one, right? If not, how’s your day looking? A bit of a mess?
A quick solve is block scheduling. Place defined working blocks for your days, with time set aside for rest and resetting. When you look at your calendar now, it looks organized and prepared.
In other words, disciplined.
Discipline gives you space. To think, to write, to rest, and dare I say, to have a bit fun.
And in that fun, in that space, there are discoveries in your career, life, business to be made. And hey, look at that—discipline equals fun.
Remember, discipline is a process, not an event. Sometimes you will get unfocused—we’re all human here, and it happens. Some amount of grace is key to staying on your path.
Discipline is saying yes, not to everything, but to the things, people, and work, that serve your purpose. Clarify your process, and discipline becomes less scary of a prospect.
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This picture is from a sweaty run a couple of years ago. On my way back, I passed a guy who may not have been altogether there. He was muttering something to himself, and as I passed him, he saw my shirt, and had a few choice words about it.
Yes, those two words—discipline and freedom—can be triggering, and loaded. I get it. And, there’s a peace in resting into what those words mean for you. Not the world. But what they mean for you. And, how you can show up better in the world.
I’m Richard Taliaferro, a career and health coach helping people gain clarity on their career and health paths. Interested in how I can help you? I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.