Discipline over Smarts

I have often heard you don’t need to be first, you just need to be better. This came to mind when hearing Michael Seibel discussing how many fail not by being smart, rather lacking discipline. There is an itch with some lacking patience and switching too fast, due to not seeing the desired results quickly. Rather than continue the grind, we tire out and move onto another project. All these tasks or projects without discipline will fail. 

On certain things, I find myself also lacking in discipline. While I tend to be like a dog on a bone, not willing to let go, in contrast, I lose interest when no results are given. Much like a farmer not waiting for the full harvest, patience is not one of my strong suits. Just ask my wife or kids. 

Michael Seibel’s game he is referring too is the game of company startups involving funding and investing in entrepreneurs. He comments very very little win. During discussion he also mentions those that do win are not necessarily Einsteins, but maintain grit, determination, and discipline. This provided him insight, discipline over smarts. While the individual is smart, there is a higher success rate if that individual also uses discipline. 

This idea can be seen and used elsewhere. Today, we are fed immediate satisfaction and gratification. Many understand this is hardwired in humans, the desire of wanting things now. Marketing has been using this desire for years. We pay for convenience. Developers use this on mobile apps, games, and social media platforms. Think about it. Mark Zuckerberg became rich by providing an app filled with dopamine hits. This is accomplished through likes, immediate replies and instant gratification. 

As I contemplate this, it becomes more apparent those with discipline will out run the vast majority. This is good news for those trained and can maintain personal discipline. 

I want to leave you with some habits to help your self-discipline

• Countdown, then take action
• Place your goals where you can see them every day
• Remind yourself why you started
• Set small goals first. Be realistic.
• Practice prioritizing 
• Know your weaknesses
• Find those friends to hold you accountable

#infobymattcole #discipline #micaelSeibel