Session 10 Self Discipline

Summary

This script narrates the power of self-discipline and perseverance through two inspiring true stories. One features Don Bennett, an amputee mountain climber, and the other Don McCall, a survivor of a WWII naval disaster. Both individuals overcame extreme adversity by harnessing vision, commitment, and creative problem-solving. The script outlines five principles for developing persistence and turning setbacks into learning opportunities, ultimately emphasizing that success is achieved through continuous self-improvement and the refusal to quit.

Takeaways

• 🧗 Persistence and perseverance are crucial for achieving goals, as illustrated by the stories of mountain climber Don Bennett and seaman Don McCall.
• 🌄 A clear and vivid vision of success can inspire and motivate individuals to overcome challenges, as demonstrated by Don Bennett's mental imagery of reaching the mountain peak.
• 🦿 Physical limitations, such as being an amputee, can be overcome with determination and a step-by-step approach, as shown by Don Bennett's one-legged mountain climb.
• 🌊 Survival and success can be achieved through self-discipline, even in extreme conditions like being stranded at sea, as experienced by Don McCall.
• 💡 The power of self-discipline lies in the ability to work systematically towards a goal and to remain positively obsessed with that goal.
• 🔑 Developing self-discipline involves five key steps: rekindling vision, adopting a can-do attitude, viewing obstacles as opportunities, increasing knowledge, and turning work into fun.
• 🛑 Setbacks are inevitable but can be turned into learning experiences by directly addressing problems, not blaming others, strengthening self-discipline, finding opportunities within setbacks, and believing in solutions to every problem.
• 👁‍🗨 The importance of not ignoring problems and viewing them as opportunities for growth is emphasized for developing persistence and perseverance.
• 📚 Success in achieving goals is a continuous process that requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and the development of new skills.
• 🚀 Small steps and continuous progress are essential for maintaining momentum towards a goal, as each achievement makes the next step easier.
• 🌟 The process of becoming an achiever involves learning from both successes and setbacks, and understanding that the journey of self-improvement is never-ending.

Q & A

What is the first story in the script about and what is the main message it conveys?

The first story is about a mountain climber named Don Bennett who successfully climbed Mount Ranier despite being an amputee. The main message is the power of visualization and persistence. Bennett created a vivid mental image of himself at the summit, which motivated him to keep going, emphasizing that he climbed 'one hop at a time'.

What is the second story in the script and what does it illustrate about survival and self-discipline?

The second story is about Don McCall, a seaman on the Navy ship Indianapolis during World War II. After the ship was hit by torpedoes and began to sink, McCall had to survive four days in shark-infested waters without food or drink. The story illustrates the importance of self-discipline, resourcefulness, and the will to survive against all odds.

What are the five principles mentioned in the script for developing persistence and perseverance?

The five principles are: 1) Rekindle and refuel your vision and purpose daily. 2) Embrace the attitude that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. 3) Recognize that obstacles and setbacks are opportunities to learn. 4) Increase your knowledge and look for creative solutions when progress is blocked. 5) Turn work into fun and make it a part of your journey towards your goal.

What is the difference between persistence and perseverance as defined in the script?

Persistence is defined as never giving up, while perseverance is persisting in spite of hardships, opposition, and setbacks. Both are critical for achieving goals, with perseverance being the act of continuing in the face of difficulties.

How does the script suggest dealing with setbacks to turn them into learning experiences?

The script suggests five ways to deal with setbacks: 1) Never ignore a problem. 2) Don't blame others or bad luck; solve your own problems. 3) Strengthen your self-discipline by turning weaknesses into strengths. 4) Look for opportunities within setbacks. 5) Believe that every problem has a solution and approach it with a creative mind.

What is the story of Carol Napier and how does it demonstrate the qualities of a self-disciplined achiever?

Carol Napier is a young woman who faced multiple health challenges, including diabetes-related blindness and kidney failure, followed by paralysis from the waist down. Despite these setbacks, she regained her strength, learned to walk again, and pursued a master's degree in rehabilitative education. Her story demonstrates the qualities of a self-disciplined achiever by refusing to give up, learning from her mistakes, and maintaining an open mind to find creative solutions.

What are the ten characteristics of a self-disciplined achiever as outlined in the script?

The ten characteristics are: 1) A strong sense of purpose. 2) Seeking positive mentors. 3) Using sensory images to provoke emotion. 4) Dwelling on fulfillment rather than fear. 5) Belief in one's ability to achieve. 6) Ability to plan and organize. 7) Knowing when to acquire essential knowledge and skills. 8) Patience. 9) Persistence and perseverance. 10) A mature attitude toward pleasure.

How does the script describe the process of becoming an achiever and the role of self-discipline in it?

The script describes the process of becoming an achiever as one that involves learning from various experiences, including trial and error, accomplishments, setbacks, and rewards. Self-discipline plays a crucial role in this process as it helps maintain focus, make necessary sacrifices, and develop the strength of character required to achieve goals.

What is the importance of having a 'do it now' attitude according to the script?

Having a 'do it now' attitude is important because it helps overcome procrastination, which is considered the single most important cause of failure. This attitude is essential for developing self-discipline and ensuring that one takes consistent action towards their goals.

How does the script emphasize the role of mentors and role models in achieving success?

The script emphasizes that mentors and role models serve as a blueprint and inspiration for our own activity and growth. They help shorten the trial and error process and provide a realistic view of success by showing that even those we admire have faults and weaknesses but have succeeded in spite of them.

What is the conclusion of the script regarding the concept of self-discipline?

The conclusion of the script is that acquiring self-discipline is a never-ending process that requires a lifetime of commitment. It involves constant vigilance in approaching goals and maintaining a clear sense of purpose. The script encourages the celebration of small victories and the continuous development of character and determination.