High achievers usually have one obvious thing in common: personal discipline.
Successful people are willing to do things that most people are unwilling to do.
As the pastor of Saddleback Church, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of Orange County’s most successful business leaders. I’ve observed that successful people express self-discipline in six key ways:
1. Successful people master their moods.
They live by their commitments, not their emotions. People who do the right thing even when they don’t feel like it accomplish most of what gets done in the world!
“A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” Proverbs 25:28 (TLB).
2. Successful people watch their words.
They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths.
“He who guards his lips guards his life” Proverbs 13:3 (NIV).
3. Successful people restrain their reactions.
How much can you take before you lose your cool? Unfortunately, a lot of potential influence can be cut short by a short temper.
“If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it” Proverbs 19:11 (GNT).
4. Successful people stick to their schedule.
If you don’t determine how you will spend your time, you can be sure that others will decide for you. When you lead a church that grows in size, you will inevitably be pulled in a multitude of directions. You’ll have to become a great steward of time to be successful in life.
“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility . . . Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:15-16 Phillips).
5. Successful people manage their money.
They learn to live on less than what they make, and they invest the difference into savings and give to causes that matter. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went!
“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20 TLB).
6. Successful people maintain their health.
They form habits in their eating and activities that keep their energy level up and help them last through stressful seasons in good health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements.
“Every one of you should learn to control his own body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect”
(1 Thessalonians 4:4 Phillips).
(1 Thessalonians 4:4 Phillips).
Where do you need to develop self-control?
The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow.
But it takes more than just willpower to produce lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself.
The more you accept God’s control over your life, the more self-control he gives you!
