Discipline trumps circumstances.

Getting good results through average behavior standards reinforces average standards as acceptable, even desirable. The habit of “it’s good enough” forms easily in one person and spreads quickly in a group. Favorable circumstances and temporary momentum will overshadow weaknesses and make it easy to gain false confidence.

People can get away with average standards during good times but it leaves them fragile, undisciplined, and exposed when unstable times come. And they always come. They can only get away with average for so long before it catches up and they pay a shockingly heavy price when they thought they were ok.

Discipline is the shortcut. Do the work.