Hello Misfit Nation! Welcome to another edition of "Lessons for Hannah!"
In November of 2016, we introduced a new format that we are putting alongside our regular episodes called “Lessons for Hannah.” Hannah is my daughter and one of the main inspirations for the Misfit Entrepreneur. I wanted to have a place where she could go and learn from her daddy and his Misfit friends throughout her life….even after I am gone. If you haven’t listened to the first episode of "Lessons for Hannah," I urge you to as it gives some more background and tells the amazing story of how Hannah came to be in our lives.
"Lessons for Hannah" are short, very useful, and sometimes comical lessons, that I have learned which I want to share with you and give to Hannah to help in your lives. Because I want Hannah to have these for her life, I’m going to speak as though I am talking directly to her. These episodes are a lot of fun and if you think there is a lesson that we should include in these episodes, please don’t hesitate to send it over to us at support@misfitentrepreneur.com. We’d love to share it.
This week’s Lesson for Hannah
Hannah,
I want to share with you something that up until recently, I had practiced, but wasn’t full aware of. And as you are probably sick of hearing me say at this point in your life, Awareness is the catalyst to change.
What I became acutely aware of after going back through many of my writings, lessons I have documented from those I’ve learned from, and from reflecting on the biggest triumphs I’ve had in life, is a very simple formula to succeed at anything.
It’s been right there the whole time, yet I just never wrote it down.
You see, it takes many things coming together to succeed, but they all fall under three specific categories of action – what I call the 3 ingredients to success or DCP.
The “D” stands for Discipline.
Discipline is your ability to manage yourself and do the things you need to do to succeed and win. It is one of the hardest ingredients for people to do. Discipline takes sacrifice. It takes overcoming your own mind's conditioning, habits, and the inertia of life. It means doing things when you really, really don't want to or feel like doing them - no matter what. Whether you are sick, hurt, on vacation, whatever; your ability to maintain your discipline and routines and what you know you need to do to succeed cannot falter. You’ve asked me before, why I still wake up early or go on my long runs and follow my exercise routine while on vacation – now you know why. It keeps my discipline.
It may not sound like fun when described that way, but that is what it takes. And it really is fun. When Michael Phelps got in the pool on Christmas Day for 4 hours of training, he knew that it was this discipline and the actions he was taking right then and there that were the difference at the finish line. The difference between winning and losing. And that energized him and fired him up. How about you, sweetie? Can you up your game when it comes to your discipline?
The “C” stands for Consistency.
Consistency goes hand in hand with discipline. You can be disciplined - for one day. But that isn't going to give your what you need to win. You must be consistent. Every day. Consistency is what breaks down barriers and wears out competition. It is how you outlast - even if you are not as talented. Those that are consistent in their routines, in the quest, and who they are win. Period.
Ask yourself, "Am I consistent in the way I approach my success? Can I count on myself to always be there and stay the course?" If you are honest with yourself, it may surprise you and also show you some things you may need to change. Just remember, consistency is key to lasting success.
The “P” stands for Persistence.
Alongside having solid discipline and an unwavering consistency, you must be persistent. How does being persistent differ from discipline and consistency? Well, discipline is what you do. Consistency is how you do it. And persistence is your commitment to doing it. As mentioned above, you can be disciplined and consistent for one day, a week, a month, etc. But persistence is your unwavering commitment to keep going in spite of challenge, fear, emotion, and all obstacles that come your way.
Many people can be disciplined and consistent for a short time, but when they run into real, serious adversity, they stop or give in. This is where your commitment, your persistence pays off. You will keep going where others fail or give up.
When you put them all together, you can see why they are the critical ingredients they are. They feed off each other. If you have discipline to do the things you need to succeed and are consistent each and every day in doing them...and then persist through any adversity that comes up as you are going, you will win. And you will win consistently. It seems so simple, doesn’t it? But, it isn’t. To maintain all 3 is the real secret you must figure out for yourself in your life – and I know you will. Lastly, always remember that when you encounter a challenge, your ability to persist through gets you one step closer to your next goal or level and keeps you on the path to realizing all the potential you have in this world.
I love you, Daddy.
Best Quote: "Awareness is the catalyst to change..."
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