As the new year unfolds, leaders often turn to resolutions as a means of personal and professional growth.
The common belief is that motivation is the key driver behind achieving these goals. However, in my experience and observation, relying solely on motivation is akin to building a house on shifting sand. Instead, the real cornerstone of success, especially in leadership, is discipline and the establishment of effective routines.
Transformation isnât a product of sporadic bursts of motivation but the result of meticulous discipline and structured routines. For instance, preparing your running gear the night before eliminates morning indecisions, making it easier to maintain this routine. And engage people in your visions. This principle of simplifying your environment to support your goals can be applied universally, whether it’s in personal development or professional leadership.
Success is less about waiting for the right moment of motivation and more about creating an environment that nurtures steady discipline. It’s about recognizing patterns in your behavior and structuring your life in a way that naturally guides you towards your goals.
Jerry Seinfeld, famous for his eponymous sitcom, is known not just for his humor but also for his remarkable work ethic. His productivity secret, often referred to as “Don’t Break the Chain,” is a testament to the power of discipline and routine.
Seinfeld used a simple but effective method to hone his craft: he committed to writing jokes every single day. He would mark a big red X on his calendar for each day he wrote, creating a chain of Xs. The goal was simple â never break the chain. Seinfeld didn’t rely on random bursts of inspiration; instead, he cultivated a disciplined daily routine. This approach underscored the principle that consistent, small efforts lead to significant achievements over time.
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, famously said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This quote encapsulates the essence of prioritizing discipline and routine. It suggests that our repeated actions and habits define our success and excellence, not just isolated moments of motivation or inspiration.
Kathrine Switzer made history in 1967 as the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon, a race that was, at the time, male-only. Her participation wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision driven by motivation; it was the culmination of disciplined training and a commitment to challenging gender stereotypes in sports. Despite facing physical aggression during the race, she persisted and finished, setting a precedent for women in marathon running. Switzer’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, determination, and the routine of rigorous training in breaking barriers and achieving monumental goals.
âDisciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfactionâ Margaret Thatcher
As leaders, us setting an example in self-discipline and routine-based strategies is paramount. It’s not just about achieving personal goals but also about fostering a culture of consistency and reliability in your teams.
This new year, I encourage you to shift focus from fleeting motivation to the more reliable companions of discipline and healthy routine.
Itâs these elements that truly pave the way for lasting change and success. By fostering an environment where discipline is the norm, you set both yourself and your team on a path to achieving and surpassing your goals. Here’s to a disciplined, routine-focused, and successful New Year!