The Bridge to Somewhere

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.


Jim Rohn

In business planning class, we first teach people the difference between goals and results. Many times people think that they are setting goals, but what they are really doing is stating a desired result. The "goal" of making $100,000 for example, is really a result. Goals are those actions that get us to that result.

But even this knowledge is not enough. I often make a point about people being "ready, willing, and able". Most are ready to be successful....and in many ways they are able....but are they willing?

To know this, we must understand that as noted above, discipline demonstrates that willingness. Discipline, or consistent action given a desired result, is the key to achieving a result and perhaps more importantly, building one's willingness to do what it takes as they grow and succeed.

How can we obtain such discipline? Well, as stated, we must first know what result we want and what goals it will take to get there....then there are a few options:

• Set our business up using tools and technology to help keep us consistent in our chosen actions
• Provide yourself with personal accountability that guarantees you will follow through
• Get someone to coach you who knows not only how to achieve results, but more importantly, what to do if you falter, things change, or barriers persist.

So many of you are talented, intelligent, and able people who are ready to do more, be more, and get more. But all the accolades aside, our willingness to do those things we haven't or need to more consistently is that critical bridge that discipline crosses and they pathway to our chosen accomplishments.