Here's one more insight into the superpower of consistent, continuous, disciplined effort (following up on yesterday's note).
People generally recognize the need for consistent and persistent effort but rush their expectations of the payoff. They sabotage their minds with made-up timelines for getting what they want that are unreasonable and unrealistic.
They expect to improve a relationship in a few conversations, get in shape in 8 weeks, launch a successful business in 12 months, or get their 10-year-old on track to become a future pro athlete.
I had no timeline when I began writing Daily Discipline in 2018. There were no expectations of progress, subscribers, or results.
I committed to write one message each weekday as long as someone wanted to read it. I didn't commit to one year. I didn't commit to what is now five years.
All I committed to was the work. I committed to show up, do my best, and provide value. The duration of my commitment was irrelevant. So were the results. Effort and action filled my focus. The rest isn't up to me.
As long as anyone reads Daily Discipline, I am responsible for upholding my commitment. If the day arrives when no one reads these notes anymore, my commitment won't end. It will change. I'll write for a different purpose. I'll write to another group. I'll write exclusively for myself again, as I have in the past.
It doesn't help to think about all the work required in the future to accomplish your mission. That's too much weight to carry in this moment. There are too many unknowns ahead. Instead, focus on what is up to you.
Show up for today's work. Give your best effort now. You'll have another chance at it tomorrow. Let's do that for a while and see where it takes us.
Answer the call. Do the work.
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