7Jul13 The root of success

How did Jeremy Lin became a basketball sensation and star player in the NBA?

How did Warren Buffett became an investment guru and one of the wealthiest person in the world?

How did Stefanie Sun became a great singer with selling records and high popularity?

Some might said it is talent, others might argue it is luck.
But for one to be able to truly make full use of his/her talent, and be ready when the luck comes,
it really depends on one word

 DISCIPLINE

How many times have you heard people saying, "I will have my big break when I meet the right boss or right company next time" or "I could have six packs too if I started going to the gym"

I am sure everyone has talent, and luck and opportunities will come much often than you imagined. But are you ready when the chance comes? 
Have you been practicing your violin for the past ten years while trying hard to get a chance to 
perform onstage? 
Have you been constantly learning how to take good photos while hoping the top fashion magazine group will hire you?

It does not take talent to practice the piano 1 hour everyday, go to the gym 3 times a week,
or even as simple as things like arriving on time for appointments.

It takes discipline, self discipline to push and motivate oneself to do what others might think it is impossible or just too much works. We all have 24 hours a day, even US President Obama only has 24 hours a day. Can you imagine how disciplined he is and has to be in order to finish his daily chore.  

You don't have to be someone great to have good discipline. Discipline is essential in our daily life, to go to the gym regularly, to spend time with your family, to constantly update your blog ( I know!) to save up monthly, and the list goes on and on...

Some good steps to get started:
-Plan ahead, get a organizer or calendar and plan your schedule daily or weekly, you might be surprised how you spent your days when you track them.

-Make use of waiting time. Everyone has a smartphone nowadays, do you spend your waiting
and traveling time on the phone playing games? Could you have spend the time better on checking your emails, checking the stock markets, reading the news update, etc? 

-Prioritized. Everyone has tons of tasks to do everyday. From as important as submitting that report at work to as trivial as getting some snacks for home. Learn to prioritize your to-do list,
with things that are to be done today and other less important ones can be flexible and perhaps
can be done together with some other things in your list.

-Plan in good 'habits'. Plan to finishing reading a book once a month, work out 30 mins day three times a week, have dinner with family once a week. Be balanced, life is never solely about work, or love, or even family nor friends. Only but finding balance, can one be disciplined enough to have routine he/she can stick to everyday without feeling jaded or fatigued.


Perhaps the best time to try it is now ;)

Cheer
JJ

p/s: Thanks to my friend Diana for inspiring me to get disciplined! :)