The Discipline You See

I've often heard, “Oh, but you're so disciplined. I could never do what you do.” And I've always found that a little uncomfortable.

Because it makes discipline sound like a personality trait. Something some people are born with and others aren't.

But what if discipline isn't something you have? What if it's something you build?

When I look back at the things I've pursued over the years - sign language, chocolate making, pickleball, health and fitness - I see a pattern.

Something catches my interest. I decide it's worth pursuing. And then I keep showing up, sometimes for decades.

What looks like discipline from the outside often feels like purpose on the inside.

So perhaps the question isn't “How do I become more disciplined?” but “What matters enough to me that I'm willing to keep showing up for it?”

I've explored this in my latest Larkability article: 'The Discipline You See. The Purpose You Don't'.

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