Self-Discipline for the Entrepreneur

“Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do, what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” -- Kop Kopmeyer

The number one reason we procrastinate, or put things off, or skip them altogether can be summed up in five little words -- “I don’t feel like it.” Well, guess what? I don’t either. I didn’t feel like getting up when I woke at 3:53 a.m. I didn’t feel like doing some client work I’d put off from last night. I didn’t feel like figuring out a way around an design issue. I didn’t feel like getting dressed for the cold and heading to the gym for a workout.

But I did all those things. Not because I wanted too. Not because they had to get done. Not because I would disappoint someone. Nope. I did those things because I promised myself last night before falling asleep that I would do those things. Then I woke, wrestled and made myself do them.

Related: 10 Ways to Develop an Unshakable Belief in Yourself

If waiting until we “feel like it” becomes the prerequisite to action, we’re doomed. We are entrepreneurs. We are the risk takers. We are the momentum makers.

Here’s Kopmeyer’s statement in a formula:

1. Write down what you should be doing or what you are going to do.
2. Write down when you are going to do it.
3. Keep your word.

That last one is the most important. Almost nothing hurts us more than being lied to. We desire, even demand, honesty. And it begins with you.

Stop lying to yourself by saying you will do it later. Stop lying to yourself by believing that, at some point, you will feel like it. Stop lying to yourself by thinking that delay won’t make a difference. Stop lying to yourself by giving yourself an excuse to wait.

You become disciplined by keeping your word.