To many, discipline is a dirty word. It paints a picture of pain and makes people think about drill sergeants. It’s always presented to us from a father figure or someone trying to act bigger than us.

But I’d like to paint a different, more optimistic look at discipline. Let’s just say that the definition of discipline is “remembering what you want”.

The challenge with discipline is that we don’t think about it until we’ve reached the decision point. We think about discipline as will power to say no to chocolate cake, but in the heat of the moment, the cake ultimately wins.

The same goes for business. We want to have the great business, but when it comes down to the work, there is always tomorrow. Facebook, errands, and socializing always take precedent.

Discipline comes from constantly thinking about what we really want. The more defined and clear it is, the more likely we are not to crumble under temptation.

Decide what you want your business and life to be. Paint the picture as much as you need to see it crystal clear. Post up the evidence of what you want everywhere and make sure that everyone around you knows what you want.

Discipline is a good thing when it’s understood and controlled in the right context. Don’t be scared of discipline. After a few months of knowing what you want, it will seemingly disappear.