By SUSAN VALASKOVIC
Scripps Howard News Service
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1992
Many think that getting organized is the foundation of success. But I believe that being organized is only one example of the real foundation — self-discipline.
Self-discipline means learning to trust ourselves, which requires more than good intentions.
Self-discipline requires learning to keep your word to yourself and others; that requires awareness and action. Each time we tell ourselves we will do something that will bring us mastery, that commitment is an agreement.
While we keep agreements we make with our friends and family, we often think nothing of breaking agreements we make with ourselves.
Self-discipline requires learning to keep your word to yourself and others; that requires awareness and action.
When we allow breaking agreements we make to become a habit, we inadvertently lower our self-esteem and make personal mastery more difficult.
Inside each of us is a part that is trusting, hence all the inner-child literature. When we make agreements we don’t keep, that part learns to doubt our ability to carry out our plans. When that part starts doubting, we find ourselves having less energy to carry out our plans.
If the pattern sounds familiar and you’d like to change it, begin by making fewer agreements. Tell yourself that you will do only what you know you will accomplish. If you have a track record of over-commitment you may even need a vacation from agreements.
When you do make an agreement, make sure you can accomplish it. Break it down into manageable chunks. If you want to get organized, a manageable chunk might be cleaning one drawer. It’s common to quit before you start if the project seems overwhelming.
As you start with fewer, reasonable agreements, it becomes easier to begin to develop a track record of success.
If this seems pretty basic, consider how many of us are really world-class at any activity. The only difference between those with talent and those with success and talent often is commitment and perseverance.
