Do you ever wonder what separates highly successful entrepreneurs from the average person? There are a few key ingredients that are essential to attain the kind of success you’re striving for. Now you’re probably thinking this is another article about passion. It’s not. Passion is good; however, it isn’t enough. Passion has to lead to something more. Passion has to lead to action and in order to have the wherewithal to take action you need to have these two key traits:
* Commitment
and
* Discipline
Let’s take a look at them individually.
Commitment
Commitment is defined as:
* The act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself
* A pledge or promise; obligation: we have made a commitment to pay our bills on time
* Engagement; involvement: you have a sincere commitment to something
Commitment comes from having a focus on what you want to accomplish and the wherewithal to see it through despite any obstacles, challenges or hurdles you must overcome to get there. Commitment can exist because you have passion for your topic and goals. However, commitment can also come because you have no other alternative. Often, people are committed to a goal because they must succeed, there’s simply no other option but to see it through.
Commitment will help you get through the difficult parts of owning a business. It’ll motivate you to enhance your strengths and to improve your weaknesses. It’ll help you strive for excellence and continue pushing to grow and prosper. Commitment, however, isn’t a stand-alone quality. You can have commitment for success, but only when it is paired with discipline do you have a winning combination.
Discipline
Discipline is defined as:
* Activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training
* The rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc
* Behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control
Discipline is getting on the treadmill every day because you want to lose those last four pounds even though you dislike running on the treadmill. Discipline is working on those business-building projects you dislike, because you know it’ll get you where you want to go. Discipline is the action part of the commitment and discipline equation.
Is it possible to cultivate commitment and discipline?
Acknowledging that commitment and discipline are required to achieve great success is easy enough, but actually embracing commitment and discipline as part of your personality, philosophy and way of life is a bit trickier. The reason experts and coaches often talk about passion is that with passion for your business, goal and industry, commitment and discipline almost fall into place.
When you enjoy what you’re doing, being committed to success and disciplined to accomplish the tasks to see it through are much easier – in fact, they’re almost effortless. However, when you don’t feel passion and joy for your business, commitment and discipline are a struggle. They’re like getting on that darned treadmill; you have to force yourself to do it.
You can of course take steps to find other things to motivate yourself like money, prestige and freedom. But, it won’t be nearly as fun as if you also enjoy your business.