How to Use Discipline for Your Advantage

What is discipline?  The dictionary defines it as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.  Tell that to a four month old at 3am the night before a big meeting at work.

Last October, we were blessed with a healthy baby girl.  Life has changed a lot since then.  New President, COVID vaccine, and a teething four month old who wakes up in the middle of night.  My wife handles the baby at night, but when she starts crying it does wake me up. 

This past week when she wakes up, I have not been able to get back to sleep. I am now waking up at 3am every day wide awake, regardless of my situation.  I am also very busy right now personally and professionally. 

As a result, it has been a challenge to stick with my morning running routine, traveling for work and function at a high level during the day.  My wife and I also decided to take on two house projects.  Needless to say, we are learning to embrace discipline and manage our time, so we can still fit in family time.

Here are four principles or “codes of behavior” I incorporated this week to help with the additional responsibilities.

1. Delegate more.  This has always been tough for me.  My default setting is perfectionism.  It is hard to let go and delegate.  I have to remember that other people are more than capable of completing certain tasks.  This week I have noticed team members really step up, help out and produce great results.  Surround yourself with good people, delegate more and focus on your big priority tasks.
2. Complain less.  Complaining is counterproductive.  Instead of wasting that energy on worrying, blaming others, we need to be grateful for these problems and find solutions to solve those problems.  If you are a high producer, you will have a busy schedule and problems.  This is a blessing.  Be grateful for your situation, focus on the positives and implement solutions.
3. Maintain exercise.  If you have read any of my earlier posts, you will know I think exercise is good for your waist line, but more importantly it is great for your mindset.  Exercise pushes your body to process more oxygen and calories, which is better for your health.  During and after my morning runs, I come up with some of my best ideas.  If you are not exercising on a regular basis, start in the mornings and maintain this schedule.  I know other areas of your life will improve.
4. Schedule time for rest.  Most people would tell you that I’m an extrovert.  The truth is I need downtime to recharge, which I believe qualifies as an introverted characteristic.  I have scheduled my downtimes for early mornings before anyone is up, or going to bed early to read a book, and blocking out time to catchup on sleep over a weekend.  Scheduling rest, either mentally or physically has been a game changer.  I highly recommend it.

These principles are already paying off.  It’s a refreshing and renewing feeling.  I am in control, getting more accomplished, less stressed and have more freedom.  I am managing to run three mornings a week, crush it at work, reduce stress, spend time with my family and enjoy some downtime.

What new discipline would help you right now?  I challenge you to embrace discipline in one difficult area of your life.  I guarantee, if you stick with this new discipline, you will notice an improvement.