Category Archives: discipline

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? – Henry David Thoreau What does that mean? This quote is straight to the point. It says that being busy isn’t … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, concentration, discipline, doing, focus, goals | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

We should not only cease our negative activities, but also the motivation that gives rise to them.

We should not only cease our negative activities, but also the motivation that gives rise to them. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? We tend, from time to time, do things that aren’t the best for us, or for others. These … Continue reading

Posted in desire, discipline, effort, habits, motivation, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote describes a lot of human interactions. When bad news arrives, it is usually told first to someone who … Continue reading

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To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time

To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time. – Leonard Bernstein What does that mean? The quote tells us that great things happen when you have a plan and almost enough time. In other … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, discipline, judgement, procrastination, time | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson What does that mean? Here, the emphasis isn’t on enjoying collecting of the results at the end, but in the joy … Continue reading

Posted in calm, compassion, delay, discipline, habits, patience | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble. – Frank Tyger What does that mean? This one has been said many times by many people. Two ears, one mouth; use in proper proportions. I’m fairly certain … Continue reading

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If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh What does that mean? This is similar to yesterday’s post, which dealt with fear. … Continue reading

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The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

The greatest remedy for anger is delay. – Seneca What does that mean? Anger, when delayed or deferred, is weakened. This, he believes, is the best course, to allow anger to fade away before it is acted out. In his case, I … Continue reading

Posted in anger, delay, discipline, habits, reflection, struggle | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self. ~ Aristotle What does that mean? To me, this is talking about the eternal internal struggle of humanity. We … Continue reading

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Reliable and genuine discipline comes not from repression, but from an understanding of all the whys and wherefores of our actions.

Reliable and genuine discipline comes not from repression, but from an understanding of all the whys and wherefores of our actions. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, it seems that he is saying that the path of repressing an … Continue reading

Posted in discipline, self knowledge | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Do not want others to know…

Do not want others to know what you have done?  Better not have done it anyways. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? Translations are such fun.  This saying almost sounds like a stereotypical movie character is saying it.  To … Continue reading

Posted in action, character, discipline, integrity, setting an example, shame | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.

Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and importance, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction. – Margaret Thatcher What does that mean? To my ears, there is an “of” missing before “importance,” so … Continue reading

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I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.

I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work. – Plato What does that mean? I have also seen this quote attributed to Thomas Edison, but I think … Continue reading

Posted in character, discipline, exceptionalism, habits, strategy, work | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Once a word leaves your mouth, you cannot chase it back even with the swiftest horse.

Once a word leaves your mouth, you cannot chase it back even with the swiftest horse. – Chinese Proverbs What does that mean? To me, the quote is saying that something that is said, cannot be un-said.  If you say … Continue reading

Posted in communication, delay, discipline, patience, personal growth, shame, struggle | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. – Confucius What does that mean? Keep on keeping on! Go the distance. It isn’t over until I win. However you want to word it, … Continue reading

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