Ephesians 5:15-16 says: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Our quote for today is from Vishwas Chavan. He said: "If every citizen can get rid of the indiscipline syndrome, we have immense potential to build more productive, conflict-free, harmonious and peaceful communities, societies, cities, nations and world."
Today, in the Get Things Done podcast we are looking at Part 3 of Step 6: "Get Tough With Yourself".
Q: You recommend doing difficult things not just for the intrinsic benefit involved, but because they provide practice in self-discipline?
Correct. Each time you perform a difficult act -- or resist a temptation -- you make it easier to do so in the future. In the words of Hamlet,
Refrain tonight,
And that shall lend a kind of easiness
To the next abstinence; the next more easy;
For use can almost change the stamp of nature…
Q: So you would compare willpower to a muscle, which grows either stronger or weaker, depending upon whether or not it’s used?
Yes. The human mind, like the human body has an incredible ability to adjust to the demands made on it, and when the demands are steady, regular, and consistent, the result is growth, power, and greater ease of performance. In exercising your will you establish a mental “groove” -- a habit pattern -- that is deepened with each repetition, but which will gradually fade with lack of use.
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Ecclesiastes 2:24 says: "There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God."
Our quote for today is from Roy Bennett. He said: "Don't let procrastination take over your life. Be brave and take risks. Your life is happening right now."
Today, in the Get Things Done podcast we are looking at Part 2 of Step 6: "Get Tough With Yourself".
Q: All of the advice you're giving out presupposes that the person involved has enough willpower to carry out your suggestions. But, unfortunately, willpower is often in short supply – especially for the typical procrastinator. How can one cope with a lack of willpower?
You have to learn to be tough with yourself.
Q: That's easily said, but it isn't really very helpful. A person who knows how to be “tough” with himself probably doesn't lack willpower, and doesn't procrastinate. What's the answer for the millions who don't have whatever it takes to exercise self-discipline?
There's no such person. We all have the option of using self-discipline if we choose to. We are born with a resiliency, a toughness that can enable us to withstand privation, pain, discomfort, and all the other “natural shocks that the flesh is heir to,” but in our modern world we have become so accustomed to the easy life that this inner strength is seldom exercised on a day-to-day basis. However, it's still there, dormant, awaiting the circumstances that will call it forth. And when that happens – when some crisis requires a seemingly superhuman display of pluck – we often amaze both ourselves and others with our ability to prevail over adversity.
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