"German discipline" is both admired and ridiculed abroad. But as good as it is to simply push through unpopular tasks, it is much better to achieve consistency through discipline based on desire rather than obligation.
persevere
You may be surprised that this core Prussian virtue is being examined here. What would our lives be without it? German discipline is praised as a panacea for all change processes. With it, anything is possible; without it, nothing is. Whether it's losing weight, advancing your career, or learning foreign languages, it's important to stick with it, see things through, and finish what you start, they say. The virtue of discipline is highly hyped. Words such as "iron discipline" or its twin brother "iron will" underline this concept. And what's wrong with that?
Discipline is not a panacea
Admittedly, we are already in one of the upper echelons of self-management here. You take action. Discipline means doing what you have to do. If you do your job in a disciplined manner, at least you are not repressing anything. You do not blame the circumstances, anyone else, or yourself. But discipline is not a panacea. Because it means that you do not really want to do it. You do it because you have to and because you understand that. In the long run, this is not a basis for exceptional results. People only need discipline as long as they don't really want something, as long as they are not yet convinced but need to be persuaded. The motivation then comes too much from outside. We have not yet arrived at our inner selves. The problem is that discipline is like a muscle. It can be exhausted. If we do too much with discipline, we become tired. We burn out. And that is underestimated.
Great starting energy
That's why discipline is a great source of initial energy. It makes it easier to get started – after that, it's about something else. Those who say "I want to do this" out of inner conviction rather than "I have to do this" are driven by a different source of power. Those who have convinced themselves are intrinsically motivated. Their motivation comes from within. It is part of the treasure they carry within themselves. You no longer need to draw it from others. Those who are intrinsically motivated no longer need discipline. They no longer have to "push through" or prove anything, but can surrender and let everything flow.
future opportunity
An example: A colleague takes on a demanding and seemingly unattractive project. This certainly requires discipline. But discipline alone will not enable her to recognize that this project opens up a wonderful opportunity for the company's future. It also requires enthusiasm and a willingness to seize this opportunity with gratitude. Or: When I start writing a new book, it takes discipline to get the project off the ground, think about the structure, do research, and wrestle with the first few sentences. But the further I get, the more I am guided by deep inspiration. Many things start with a must. But when we take intellectual ownership of a topic, discipline turns into consistency.
The journey becomes the destination
Observe yourself closely. You have probably done this many times before. But from now on, you can do it consciously. Consistency means: I want to do it. It brings us mentally into the present moment. Into pure presence. It leaves the past behind and allows us to start afresh every second, every moment, fresh and alert. Be fully present. Only now does the path become the goal. Otherwise, "goals become the path." This is how most people live, and that is why they remain far below their potential. Because the "goals as the path" attitude tires you out over time. Discipline means: I have to finish something. Consistency means: I can start now.
The secret of mental presence
Mental possession therefore begins with discipline and hopefully becomes the consequence of complete mental presence—a secret that many do not know and even fewer can master. The same applies to the saying: The journey is the destination. Those who apply this principle will find that the obstacles they overcome become the path that lies before them. I sincerely wish you this realization, this insight.
The topic of discipline or consistency is just one of many life-enriching and growth-promoting insights that I have compiled in my online learning world. Over 300 hours of video material to help you in your development—so that you can become the best person you can be.
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