November 10, 2023
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about discipline and how the consistency that comes with it can have a profound effect on your life. The problem that we all face is finding a way to lock in those good habits that we know in our hearts will improve our lives. The difficulty is that we are wrestling with our subconscious monkey mind that tells us we don’t need to do those things… or at least not repeatedly. The only solution I have found to fend off that monkey is building “mental fitness”. The strength to stick with a habit so that discipline can prevail and "deliver the goods on the other side of “doing the work”.
In the challenging landscape of small business ownership, success often hinges on the ability to cultivate personal discipline. The journey toward growth and prosperity requires more than just a great idea or a solid business plan; it demands a steadfast commitment to self-improvement. Drawing inspiration from a couple of helpful books I benefitted from reading (repeatedly), I wanted to share some of the transformative thoughts I have had about enhancing personal discipline and how it can propel your small business to new heights.
In her empowering book "Badass Habits”, Jen Sincero emphasizes the pivotal role of personal discipline in achieving success. She notes, "The habits you create, or the lack thereof, will either support you or sabotage you in every area of your life." In the context of small business, developing positive habits is the foundation for sustained growth. Consider the habit of time management. Entrepreneurs often wear multiple hats, juggling various responsibilities. Cultivating the discipline to prioritize tasks and then allocating your time effectively can result in increased productivity which will ultimately lead to business growth. Filter out the negativity.
Marlin Meadows is another author I have leaned on over the years to keep me on track. In his book, "Daily Self-Discipline", he delves into the concept of consistency in daily actions. He writes, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." Small business owners must navigate a myriad of challenges, and the consistent application of disciplined habits becomes the bridge that spans the gap between aspirations and tangible achievements. Imagine a small business owner committed to daily customer outreach. Consistently engaging with customers, addressing concerns, and seeking feedback builds a strong rapport. Over time, this discipline not only enhances customer satisfaction but also contributes to positive word-of-mouth, fostering business growth.
I think that a common theme I have learned through experience is that personal discipline isn't just about routine; it's a catalyst for creativity and innovation. Jen states "Discipline creates space for magic to happen." I use a version of this phrase to similarly describe the experience that many of my clients go through. When they are learning not only how to document their working systems, but how to properly delegate them to others “magic” happens. After 6-8 weeks of working together, many leaders will have an a-ha moment and start to see how an unrelated part of their business has improved because we took the time to clearly document the process for an original process.
A disciplined approach also fosters an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, setting the stage for the business to differentiate itself in the market. It’s a structure that when followed, can make your life easier because there are fewer choices. When your whole team knows what is expected of them and how to be successful in their day, they will more than likely succeed. Follow the documented systems and trust the process!
In the unpredictable world of small business, resilience is often the difference between success and setbacks. Whether you are facing a sudden market shift, the loss of a key client, or trying to learn a new skill, a resilient mindset allows you and your business to adapt swiftly and navigate challenges effectively. Discipline is not just a virtue; it's a strategic advantage that will keep you on the path to lasting success.
