We have all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Right? What if that were true? Would it be easy to eat an apple a day? Of course it would. Would it be easy not to eat an apple a day? Of course it would. That is the power of self discipline.
Remember when you were a kid? It was easy to eat cookies and a lot harder to get those vegetables down. As an adult, we feel better eating vegetables than we do after a bag of cookies, but it took a few stomach aches to get there.
Self discipline is easy when you’re doing stuff you like to do. But when it comes to things that are boring, scary (cold calling or prospecting) or hard, then self discipline is not so easy. We get good at whining, rationalization, wishful thinking, and procrastination when we have to do things during our work day that aren’t fun or easy. But most of these ‘hard things’ are what makes us money, helps build and sustain confidence, and brings us success. So why aren't we disciplined about the things that are the life-blood of our profession?
There is a difference between wanting to be successful and doing the things each day that get you there. Prospecting, prioritization, preparation, and organization can be tedious or just plain hard. Success in sales is founded on them and being disciplined around such things is critical. If you struggle with self discipline, take one thing you want to be disciplined about and work on that until it becomes habit. Then take on the next one. Do not chew off too much at once. That is a formula for failure. With this approach, self discipline eventually becomes second nature. Accomplishing our goals always feels good. Many small steps will transform your sales career and your life.
What new discipline could you develop over then next 30 days that would have a major impact on this year?
Would love to hear from you.