Being Disciplined vs. Situational Discipline

Hey Team..

I am coming at your from one of my favorite places, Lexington, KY!

Today I have some media to do and then it is off to the races.. literally.

But before I head out, I have a question for you:

What do you think about when you think of the word:DISCIPLINE?

For most, well, it makes them very uncomfortable. 

Often times, we think thoughts of:

• Having no fun....
• Living with extreme rigidity..
• Never eating anything outside of natural, organic, soy-gluten-dairy free foods
• Being in bed at the same time each night..
• And basically being so anal retentive that life seems like a stressful competition (ALL THE TIME)

But this is only because of how this word is often presented to us through various outlets.....

When we think of the military... we think of EXTREME DISCIPLINE.

When we think of that tight boss that is all over us... we think of EXTREME DISCIPLINE.

When we think of what it takes to lose 10lbs (FAST)... well, we think of EXTREME DISCIPLINE.

And that is the problem.

 

Life is not about living on the extremes, even though that is where most high performers often find themselves.

 

Always seeking more... OF EVERYTHING!

And it can be very dangerous. 

So, I want to rework how you think about the word: DISCIPLINE. 

Instead of seeing it as an all-the-time-thing... let's look at things situation by situation (Situational Discipline), but always aligning to the goals and visions we set for ourselves.

Could you imagine running your car full throttle all the time?

Not only would you burn a ton of gas, but man, you will burn that car out quickly.

Let me give you an example Situational Discipline and how to deploy it...

Vision: I want to lose 10lbs.

Action Steps (Situational Discipline):  I am going to eat a diet free of desserts Monday-Friday, but on the weekend, I can eat the dessert of my choice.

Now, no paleo/ KETO diet would ever permit this (unless it is prepped the KETO way)... but in the bodybuilder world, for years, allowing FREEDOM was the key to achieving goals long term...

We have to let the body feel like it can be OFF from perfection, goal chasing, and rigid/ extreme discipline behavior.. or else... an internal rebellion will occur...

How many people out there feel guilty when they eat a "cheat" food or meal?

Many do. I know I often do!

And, because of that, they ( I, WE) never can enjoy playing in the middle and find themselves back at the ends or extremes in terms of their thoughts and actions...

I want you to think about Situational Discipline as a way to help you create some fun in your life, while still go after your goals. Actually, it is the best and healthiest way to get to your goals. You will never feel like you are red-lining yourself. Always working at a great pace instead. 

I love using food and diet as an example because so many in our society struggle with it... (again, I have been guilty too)...

So using the example of having a great Eating Average is also something I have preached for years. 

We typically eat 21 meals per week....

What was your average?

Did you go 7 for 21?

21 for 21?

What was the average?

Because there are going to be times when we just want the damn burger and fries-using an average allows us the ability to "play" without costing us our goals.

That is why we want to look at each month as having a great average... 

That does not mean BE average, it just means have a great average each month in your eating, your exercise, your work/ productivity.

Do not be afraid at the end of each month to reconcile your month like a great bookkeeper.

Then set your target for the next month while leaving room for the FUN!

Got it?

Extreme Discipline often ends in an early death (I do not care what the books says!)... AND frustration/ failure for the high performer since you can never reach perfection... and the frustration that amounts as a result of that will drive you nuts...

Instead, deploy Situational Discipline. 

Plan your Cheat Days.

Take the Trips.

Have Fun on your High Performance Journey.

YOU have my permission!

Could you imagine how much you could accomplish if you just took the pressure off of yourself? Maybe, just maybe you already have enough natural discipline- you are just burning it out by your extreme thoughts and behaviors? How about that?

Let's GO!

Chase Greatness! (pressure free)

Your Coach,

COACH DANA CAVALEA