An Octopus on Roller Skates
Written by Chris Mizrany November 2014
What do a record-breaking tightrope-walker, a martial arts expert, and a successful businessman have in common?
They have learned self-discipline. In each of their professions, discipline is the key—discipline that’s manifested in allocating time to practice, honing their skills, and in some cases, giving up things in their diet or personal life to achieve their goals.
Self-discipline is more than holding back from some things, more than buckling down to do what is necessary out of duty. It is a means to an end. Reaching their goals means so much to them that the effort and sacrifice of leading a disciplined life is almost a non-issue. They are willing to push themselves to the limits of endurance to achieve success. And their discipline clearly shows in their achievements.
Most of us can probably improve our level of self-discipline. Even if you don’t aspire to cross a chasm on a rope, how about getting through that pile of work on your desk, meeting your fitness goals, or improving your time management? Self-discipline is not really about denying oneself; it is, in fact, liberating oneself. A friend once said to me, “Only when you’re truly disciplined can you be truly free.” A simple sentence of wholesome wisdom that changed my viewpoint completely.
On another occasion, the manager of an international chain store told me, “Success is not only about what you want to do. It’s about what you must do to achieve.” When you’re self-disciplined, you’re able to go beyond things that might have limited you or held you back before.
New York Times bestselling author Jackson Brown Jr. put it this way: “Talent, without discipline, is like an octopus on roller skates.
There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backward, or sideways.” On the other hand, if we channel our energies in the right direction, toward the things that are important to us, we are positioned to achieve powerful forward movement.
Jesus was the ultimate example of discipline. He did what had to be done, even when it was not just hard but resulted in His death. The discipline and commitment He manifested for His cause had world-changing results.
If we’re willing to discipline ourselves, we too can change our lives and our part of the world.
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Chris Mizrany is a web designer, photographer, and missionary with Helping Hand in Cape Town, South Africa.
Activated TFI
Comments (4)
I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years. I learned a lot about discipline and self discipline. As a result of that and with God's help, I was a fairly successful salesman in the insurance industry!
I maintain self discipline in my life every day!
Aloha Jim, just did a search on Blue Letter Bible on "daily",
occuring 63 times in 62 verses in the KJV. Yes, we have to keep on getting or we'll lose what we have. There's no standing still on God's mountain of accomplishment! All the best!! GBY!!!
The question of strength, determination, or willpower may help to give one the propelling actions or grace that stems the gap, dear Ekself Cape Town; everyone needs motivation, anticipation, and the will to exercise your faith through prayer claiming the promises found in the Bible; counseling with others of mutual faith and asking for prayer, learning to hear from Jesus through prophecy is always motivating! If you've already received Jesus as your personal savior, there's the Power of the Holy Spirit that for sure will get you off to an explosive start! Do all that you can, and God will do the Miracles!
God bless you with the answers that will melt the mountains away!! Love and prayers!!!
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. KJV