Everyone dreams of being a champion—but the truth is, only those who commit to the journey truly become one.
Simply put, you can only be a champion with self-discipline. There’s no magical shortcut or secret formula to becoming the best at what you do. Success is cultivated through the right mindset, attitude, hard work, and discipline.
When someone tells me they want to be a sales champion, I ask, “Do you get to work on time?” It’s not a trick question, but a reflection of readiness. Punctuality may seem small, but it’s a powerful signal of commitment. If you’re not showing up consistently, how can you expect to lead, inspire, or win?
Throughout your career, you’ll face challenges that require more than just skill—they’ll demand resilience, ownership, and a willingness to grow. Being on time isn’t just about the clock. It’s about honoring your word, your team, and your goals.
If self-discipline feels like a struggle, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. One of the ways I stay disciplined is by creating self-instruction cards and reading them daily. I’ve done this for decades and continue to do it to this very day. Self-instruction cards serve as a personal accountability tool.
Here’s how to create them:
- Start with a collection of 3×5 index cards.
- On each card, write from a first-person perspective, as if you’ve already mastered a specific trait.
- Provide detailed descriptions and integrate emotions to make the narrative more vivid.
- As you grow and change, adapt your deck by adding new cards or removing those that no longer apply.
Consider a card that emphasizes punctuality: “I am always 10 minutes early to work. I am 100 percent ready to start my day on time because my team and customers depend on me. Most importantly, I depend on myself.”
Champions are made through their daily habits, steadfast routines, and an unyielding commitment to discipline, establishing the groundwork for triumph well before any accolades are received.