The Biggest Enemy Is Me
Volume 1, No. 10
When you are disciplined, everything improves by default. Facebook pulled up memories from a year ago. I had just started 75 HARD. The challenge opened my eyes to ways I need change permanently. I have let most of those lessons slide. Many look at it as a health challenge but it is a mental/discipline challenge. I realized that it isn’t meant to stop at 75 days but to adjust and maintain. The biggest lesson is there is more time in the day to get things done. It is not about fearing failure for me; it is fearing success. The higher up you go, the less amount of people are willing to grow and go with you.
As a woman of faith, I was created to give God glory. Is God getting glory from my life with an overweight body, my sluggish mind, rejecting opportunities because of a lack of energy, etc? Am I a reflection of his love and goodness?
Time to embody discipline again. It is not about who I used to be but the person I desire to be for the rest of my life. Too many people dwell on past successes. Getting a little better each day will create a person greater than anything I can imagine.
What areas do you need discipline? Go to the website and leave a comment.
HIDDEN HERSTORIES:
Misty Copeland (1982- ): First African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).
Here are three relevant facts about Misty Copeland:
Misty Copeland began her ballet studies at the age of 13 at the San Pedro City Ballet.
In 2007 she became the company’s first African American female soloist in two decades (Anne Benna Sims and Nora Kimball had preceded her). Despite facing challenges due to her distinct appearance, both in terms of skin color and a fuller body type—a difference often highlighted by others—she ascended the ranks through her remarkable talent.In June 2015, the ABT chose Copeland as its first African American female principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history.
An except from an interview with the Harvard Business Review about her choice of career, Copeland stated,”…The discipline, the rigor, the sacrifice—those are beautiful things that children in particular should experience, not necessarily to become professionals but to develop as people.”
SELF DISCIPLINE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
Start Small: Begin with easily achievable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. In-between moments of greatness are small consistent steps mastering the fundamentals.
Embrace Discomfort: Gradually increase your comfort with challenging situations. The ability to step over or around reduces the opportunities to be stepped on.
Be Mindful: Use dedicated times to focus solely on your task, helping you manage urges. Do not multitask. A divided mind is an unfocused mind.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Pride is a big killer of dreams.
Self-discipline is a learnable skill that promises profound benefits. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as you transform challenges into stepping stones towards your better self.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“You can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed.” — Misty Copeland
This is one of my favorite quotes. It inspires me daily.
MENTAL CHALLENGE:
If you knew you couldn’t fail, what one discipline would you develop?
Until next time.....remember your voice and stories matters!
