The Twin Towers of Success

Posted on April 06, 2011 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

There are two fundamental qualities found in almost everyone who is a self-made success.  These Twin Towers of success are the qualities of Self-Discipline and Self-Control.

1) Self-discipline is “the systematic, willing, and purposeful action taken each day, which leads one toward the completion of their self-assigned goals.”

2) Self-control is “the systematic, willing, and purposeful action taken each day, which leads one to effectively suppress and replace lesser desires for those which reflect the highest virtues of character, integrity, love and service.”

Self-discipline allows a person to exhibit the positive behaviors needed to keep them moving toward their dreams, while Self-Control keeps negative influences from hindering the progress they are making.  Like the positive and negative poles of a magnet, both are needed to enable a person to live a courageous and successful life.

There are a significant number of people who really want to live a healthy and successful life, yet simply do not get it done. 

Why?  For many, the problem lies in their habitual inability to exert self-discipline and self-control in their lives.  They are making choices, and in time developing habits, which make it difficult to control and manage their appetites, moods, and passions.  They find that extra scoop of ice cream too tempting, or the comfort of their bed too enticing to complete their physical fitness routine.

If you are going to live a healthy and successful life, you need to believe that living a life of discipline and control will, in the end, provide more satisfaction than giving into your vices and lusts. Though not easy, exerting self-discipline and self-control sets you free to pursue your dreams, while protecting the areas of life you hold most dear. And don’t kid yourself, there are many people who think they are self disciplined and controlled, yet are fooling themselves.  They are still overweight, spend too little time with their wife and children, feel disconnected from God, are drifting away from their friends, and/or are making only modest (if at all) progress toward their dreams and goals.  Though they think they are exhibiting self-control and personal discipline, the fruit of their life proves otherwise.

Embracing a life of self-discipline and self-control leads to a very large payoff.  But this payoff is never immediate.  Belief and patience through the days, months, and years will be necessary.  Successful people know this – yet are patient for the dividends to pay off.

Challenge: How would you rate your self-discipline and self-control lately?  How would others rate your self-discipline and self-control?  What is one thing you can start doing today to improve in both?