“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” These are the words of great motivational speaker Jim Rohn, and they capture the core of what it takes to succeed. But in a world that often seems to prioritise talent over everything else, it can be easy to forget just how important discipline really is.
In this article, we’ll examine the startling truth about discipline versus talent, and discuss how you can harness the power of discipline to achieve your own goals.
What is Talent?
First, let’s define our terms. Talent refers to a natural aptitude or skill for a particular activity, whether it’s playing music, writing, or excelling at sports.
What is Discipline?
On the other hand, discipline refers to the ability to consistently and reliably stick to a plan or routine, even when it’s difficult or unpleasant.
At first glance, it might seem like talent is the key to success – after all, if you’re naturally gifted at something, shouldn’t you have an easier time achieving your goals? However, research suggests that discipline, not talent, predicts success.
One study, conducted by psychologist Angela Duckworth and her colleagues, found that people who scored high on measures of “grit” – a combination of passion and perseverance – were more likely to achieve their long-term goals than people who scored high on measures of talent or intelligence.
So why is discipline so important?
For one thing, discipline helps you stay focused on your goals, even when they seem far away or difficult to attain. When you’re disciplined, you’re able to break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and then take action to achieve each step in turn. This not only helps you make progress towards your goals, but it also gives you a sense of momentum and motivation that can help you stay on track.
How discipline leads to success
In order to delve deeper into the subject at hand, it is important to examine the life of an esteemed athlete such as Kobe Bryant. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players to have ever played the game, his talent is undeniable.
His impressive record and numerous accolades serve as a testament to his remarkable abilities on the court. But Kobe’s journey to greatness is a testament to this.
While he may not have been the most athletic kid, he possessed a strong work ethic and dedication to improving his skills.
He spent countless hours practicing and perfecting his craft, constantly pushing himself to be better. These disciplines, combined with his innate talent, allowed Kobe to achieve greatness and become one of the most iconic sports figures in history.
“Self-discipline without talent can often achieve astounding results, whereas talent without self-discipline inevitably dooms itself to failure.” —Sydney J. Harris
Of course, none of this is to say that talent is completely unimportant. Clearly, having a natural aptitude or skill for something can give you a head start when it comes to achieving your goals. However, talent alone is rarely enough to guarantee success.
In fact, studies have shown that people who rely too heavily on their talent may actually be less likely to achieve their goals.
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How to cultivate discipline?
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Set clear, specific goals. The more specific and measurable your goals are, the easier it will be to create a plan of action and stay on track.
- Break your goals down into smaller steps. Instead of trying to tackle your entire goal at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and will also make it easier to track your progress.
- Develop a routine. Having a consistent daily routine can help you build the habits and behaviors you need to achieve your goals. Set aside time each day to work on your goals, and make it a priority to stick to that schedule.
- Practice self-discipline. Self-discipline means making the conscious decision to do what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. This can be challenging, but it’s a key component of developing the discipline you need to achieve your goals.
- Celebrate your successes. When you achieve a goal or make progress towards it, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and energized, and will also reinforce the positive habits and behaviors that are helping you achieve your goals.
