Chapter 1: The Essence of Discipline

"A disciplined mind fosters happiness, while an undisciplined one leads to turmoil." ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Examining my personal library reveals that a staggering 97% of the books I've collected are centered around motivational self-help. A few years back, I was engrossed in reading about self-improvement, which was certainly beneficial. However, I found myself trapped in a repetitive cycle, akin to a roller coaster with constant ups and downs.

Each day, I would tune into motivational speeches, hoping to hear something extraordinary that would finally propel me into action. Over time, this routine became exhausting, and I continued to struggle with my responsibilities. It seemed as though the insights from the books and speeches were ineffective, leaving me feeling disheartened.

I was overlooking something crucial...

After some introspection, a pivotal moment occurred.

One day, my mom called, and we reminisced, sharing memories of my father and expressing how much we missed him. During our conversation, she noted that I share many of his qualities, particularly in terms of work ethic and family commitment. I was intrigued and probed deeper about my father's approach to his responsibilities. After a brief pause, she shared her thoughts.

That day marked a significant turning point for me, reinforcing my understanding of my father's character and work ethic.

Here is what I discovered about my father, Michel.

Michel didn't rely on motivational literature or speeches to fulfill his duties. He recognized it as both his privilege and responsibility as a man to provide for his family.

Every morning, he would rise, offer a prayer, and head to work. He was a devout man who expressed gratitude for his blessings. Regardless of his emotional state, he completed his tasks. Whether feeling elated, frustrated, or anything in between, he would say his prayer, get into his car, and go to work.

Above all, he embodied discipline. That particular word, as used by my mother, struck a chord with me. It was a significant realization; I had been neglecting this vital aspect in my own life. His discipline enabled him to prioritize and execute his daily responsibilities without faltering. This steadfastness was fundamental to his achievements and ability to care for a family of seven.

I now comprehend that cultivating discipline is a gradual process, yet it leads to unparalleled success when consistently applied. You may immerse yourself in self-help literature and motivational videos, but without the discipline to take action daily—regardless of your emotional state—progress will remain elusive.

Consider this for a moment...

Envision a disciplined, devout man who recognizes his responsibilities. If placed alone on a deserted island, he would undoubtedly find a way to survive.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Chapter 2: Learning from the Past

In the first video titled "Discipline Over Motivation," viewers are encouraged to understand the significance of discipline in achieving success. It emphasizes that motivation may fluctuate, but discipline remains a steadfast guide.

The second video, "Discipline Over Motivation Series (S1:E1) with Brandon Leake," delves deeper into the subject, illustrating how discipline can fundamentally transform one's approach to life and work.