HOW TO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
THE ART OF SELF DISCIPLINE -Paul A Hauck
Preface: This is the last in a series of four books:
1. Depression: Usually results from self-blame, self-pity, other-pity
2. Hostility: Frustration and anger from a] I must have my own way
b] People are bad and don’t give me what I want
3. Fear: Apprehension and worry result from obsessing on concerns
4. Self Discipline: Without self discipline cannot overcome the others
No maturity or success without it. Cannot get what you want
Success requires doing often what you don’t want to do
Three Obstacles To Self Discipline
Used to getting things too easily. Face it: It’s a damn tough world
Demand immediate satisfaction, and unwilling to defer gratification
Expect the world should be different, and refuse to face reality
Unwilling to work hard to plow thru the muck to get to the good stuff
Perfectionism: If it can’t be perfect, won’t do it
More important to do, than to do well. Only disgrace is nottrying
Not: “If it can’t be done well it shouldn’t be done at all”
Start and finish—that is how to define success, and to overcome
Feelings of inferiority: Judge self by progress, not performance
Stop caring about winning, and just play for the fun of the game
Put pressure on the effort, not the outcome
Techniques of Self Discipline
Prioritize, and finish one job before starting next—have tunnel vision
Set specific goals—long term and short. Do them before a reward
Never allow pleasure before work
Make notes and to-do lists. Don’t rely on memory
Just get started, especially if stoked, but even if not
Nibble at big jobs—break them into many small jobs
Just keep plugging! It may seem interminable, but it will get done
The tortoise always beats the hare in the long run
Be stoical—endure discomfort, boredom, pain, etc
People who hide from pain receive the most pain
Associate with people who are disciplined and are models
Burn bridges to remove alternatives
Take risk: Failure is not a catastrophe: can’t learn without
Don’t watch, do. Do anything not excessively dangerous
Any time you slip, force yourself to make up for it and pay a price
Force yourself to cool down before doing something impetuous
Good salespeople will fight this—for a reason