Freedom, Discipleship, The 8th Habit, Life Purpose, and Self-mastery
I’m listening to The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey. Gee, I wish I’d had a dad like him. Well, I’m glad I get to read and listen to his books! I learn so much from his perspective. He has a profound influence on me. I wonder how much his own kids resist his influence. His latest book is meant to take us from effectiveness to greatness such that we embody personal leadership and become leaders in our own realm. He says it’s Time, yes, with a capital “T”. When he talks about this, he reminds me of Obama. I hope the two meet someday.
Discipline. What does this word conjure for you? My immediate reaction is negative. I admit it. However, Covey’s perspective is so refreshing that it caused me to take another look and rethink my perspective on discipline. Discipline means being a disciple of a cause, a belief, a teaching, a person. etc. I’m ok with that. THAT is something that all successful people have in common. Another thing they have in common: being willing to subordinate their moods and appetites in the moment for something greater. I’m ok with this too although it’s still not easy for me. I finally understand how critical this piece is both for freedom as well as success.
“Only the disciplined are truly free. The undisciplined are slaves to their moods, appetites, and passions”. When we master ourselves, we are truly free. Then we can be, do, have, express anything! Discipline is part of the HOW things happen, how we make progress, how we give service. “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, therein lies your vocation”. Aristotle
It is essential to both know yourself and discipline oneself to know and fulfill your life purpose. Courage is the essence of passion. I know people, as I’m sure you do, whose actions in their own lives are low in courage and these same people are unsatisfied with their work, their lives and feel that there should be more passion. It takes courage to truly know oneself, to be ruthlessly and relentlessly honest with oneself, to apply one’s gifts and talents in the highest and most meaningful way, and to exercise self-discipline in all of these. For me, this defines a life well lived; the definition of success.
