One of my late uncles was an Olympian in track and he once told me that he ran every day, even when he did not feel like it.  To achieve a significant goal requires self-discipline, but what is that really?  Wikipedia defines self-discipline as “the ability to motivate oneself in spite of a negative emotional state.”  It includes qualities such as willpower, hard work and persistence.  Self-discipline germinates from persistent will power.  Willpower is the strength and ability to execute a task but “self-discipline is the ability to use it routinely and even automatically.” 

How is your self-discipline today?  Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players of all time and carries a list of athletic accolades.  But an interesting fact about him is he left his college in North Carolina a year before graduation to enter the 1984 NBA Draft.  However, he returned to complete his degree in 1986.  Although he landed the career he wanted, he was self-disciplined enough to complete his degree.

Each of us probably can retrospect on an accomplishment and say, “I did it because of my self-discipline.”  But if you cannot, techniques to help motivate include, writing down your goals, having an accountability partner and putting up at least one picture of what you want to achieve.  You want to create reminders and mental images to keep you going if and when you become discouraged by adversity. 

In the story of David and Goliath, 1 Samuel 17, David was faced with a giant who stood 9 feet 9 inches tall, which is three inches shorter than the height of a basketball hoop.  David was a “youth” and though small compared to the giant, he believed in God (verse 37).  Yes, he challenged the giant and defeated him (verses 49 and 50).  In other words, when you trust God in your circumstance, giants will fall in your life.  God many not always come when you want but He will always be on time.  You must continue to do your part to remain self-disciplined in your efforts.

GIANTS

Giants exists in all sizes, shapes and kinds

Yet the most formidable is the one in our minds

You work arduously seemingly to reach nowhere

Then gasp for the breath of motivation that is no longer there

But take heart, stay the course and hold the reins

For with self-discipline you will reap triumphant gains

Be courageous and challenge in fearless defiance

For with His strength you can conquer your giants