The pursuit of discipline
If you haven't watched or read "The Pursuit of Happyness" - the story based on American entrepreneur Chris Gardner - you absolutely must. It is the real life story of a determined man who overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve "happyness", which for him is landing a prestigious job. Any time I need some inspiration, I watch this movie and it re-energizes me and helps me focus again.
While the movie finishes with the attainment of happiness for the main protagonist, the discipline he establishes in his everyday schedule (in managing his kid, homelessness, studying for an exam) gets him to that point. Discipline is what changes a homeless man's financial struggle into a comfortable life where he owns/runs a multi-million dollar investment firm.
In fact, it is discipline that differentiates between the good and great. Look at tennis star Novak Djokovic. In 2005, Novak had to retire in a French Open game after taking the lead in the first set. After suffering from breathing and fitness issues until 2009, the Serb has gone onto finish 4 of the last 5 years as the top ranked singles player in the world. In his book, Serve to Win, Novak attributed this turnaround to a disciplined diet and workout schedule. Once again it was discipline which took an international tennis star to the feat of being the world's best tennis player.
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli was asked about the secret of his consistency and success after a recent game. He responded with the following:
It is a conscious effort, to be very honest. It is more like 'Eat, sleep, train, repeat'. If you want to be consistent, you need to be boring with your training, your food and your batting habits. You cannot the sport for granted. During the last match I told Dan (Vettori, his team's coach) that I felt like I could hit every ball of the first over from Tim Southee for a six. But I stopped myself because I don't want to disrespect the sport. I want to build my innings in the same way every time I go in to bat.
As a young man with the world at his feet, it could be easy to get carried away. Yet, Kohli acknowledges that the monotonous training and diet schedule he follows is a must to continue his success.
People like Chris Gardner, Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli inspire me everyday as an IT professional and a club level cricket player. Whether you are in business, sports or any other field of work, you can't aim to be the among the best unless you inculcate discipline. That is what I wish to strive for and I am certain success will follow.