Discipline

Self-discipline is like a muscle. The more you train it, the stronger you become. The less you train it, the weaker you become.

1. Consistent commitment – I was once coaching a professional who asked me if he wanted to change his habit of poor time management, what was the best way to achieve it. Perseverance and patience or in short, discipline, was the key word. Once you decide to accomplish something, you got to stay at it. Of course, one faces deviations along the way, but it’s a question of vision vs goals. For instance, Lance Armstrong trained for miles and hours to achieve championship position on the bicycle.

2. Long term perspective – Any change whether in process, behavior or relationship, takes time. Slow and steady is a difficult attitude at times in this dynamic environment and it is easy to slip into a negative abyss. Leadership is all about doing what's right rather than what's easy.

3. Effort = Result - Normally, the effort you invest into a project determines the outcome. If you can live with the thought of “This too shall pass”, in the long run, you stand to gain. Be your own competition and for every work done well, raise the bar.

4. Ride the tide - Tough times make great leaders. Maintain the champion's mindset by reading motivating books, associating with excellent people and making time each day to renew your self. Believe in your abilities and intellect rather than being dampened by volatile stock prices!

5. Activity log – Maintaining an activity log of things to do on a regular basis assist in prioritizing what’s urgent and what’s important. Gradually, one is able to assess and accomplish without going into a flap all the time. Its not always about crisis management only.