What Leaders Need to Know About Discipline

Oprah, the Underdog

Oprah Winfrey is a household name that is associated with success and celebrity. She is a strong woman who converses about societal issues on the public stage, and she has built a multi-media empire. What may have gone unnoticed by many, or perhaps forgotten, is that Oprah did not grow up with a strong foundation, nor did she have a leg up to achieve her success.

In her youth, Oprah lived in poverty and was switched back and forth between her separated mom and dad. While her mom was busy working, Oprah was sexually abused by men that were trusted by her family members. The continuation of living in urban poverty along with the abuse eventually took a huge toll. Winfrey acted out in a lot of bad ways and, eventually, she was sent to stay with her father (Oprah claims that he saved her life).

Her father was very strict and had Oprah focus on studying, structuring her time, and reading books. Winfrey thrived with discipline and became an excellent student. She got involved in multiple clubs at school, including drama and debate, and pursued speaking contests and eventually radio. She was granted a full scholarship to Tennessee State University for winning a speaking contest and eventually got an offer from CBS to do news in Nashville. The rest is history.

The Value of Being Disciplined

I once spoke to a company that said with some hesitation, it took them over 600 meetings to get their first client.

I said CONGRATULATIONS!!

They felt a little embarrassed but I applauded the perseverance and discipline to get their first customer. This is the REAL of many entrepreneurs and businesses.

You must keep moving forward!

Discipline is an incredibly valuable attribute for leaders, as it allows you to lead by example and set the tone for your team/ organization. When you are disciplined, you are able to:

• maintain focus on your goals

• stay consistent in your actions

• make sound decisions when faced with challenging situations

This strong work ethic not only inspires confidence and trust in your team, but it also helps to create an environment that is conducive to success and growth.

Invest Into Yourself By Creating Healthy Habits

Developing discipline is easier said than done. It can be challenging to maintain motivation and stick to a goal/ plan when faced with challenges and obstacles. That's where habits come in.

Habits are automatic behaviors that we perform without conscious thought. By creating healthy habits, you can make discipline a natural part of your daily routine, making it easier to stay on track and achieve your goals.

Simple actions can have the most profound effect on your life.