Discipline…

I am writing a book --- it is taking a long time ---- I am frustrated by my progress ---- and doubtful of the outcome.

I am disappointed at my lack of discipline to dedicate the time to finish what I believe is a worthwhile endeavor.

I have several friends who are building businesses on their own.  Importantly enough they are all women.  More importantly they all display the discipline necessary to complete the work and achieve success.

My point??…..

Building a business on your own is the most difficult task to achieve.

I worked for many years at an important Investment Bank.  I am often asked if the stress related to that business was overwhelming.  I never felt that the stress of that business was any greater than any other challenging goal worth the effort to accomplished. The stress related to this business was often stress from outside of the business.  Market fluctuations, global events, client decision that did not go your way – these were stresses that in many ways were out of one’s control.  What was not stressful was the pragmatics of coming to work.  I did not have to worry about health insurance, renting office space, paying for the phone, buying a printer or for that matter where I would have lunch, what to wear, when to go home and when to come to work.  All of this was taken care of under the broad umbrella of a large and complicated institution as an employee. Working for a big entity is easy compared to building your own business or working alone in any profession.  I did not have to think about my work space as I had an office with equipment, a mail room, a supple room, lights and a desk.  I had an unending supple of pencils, paper, printers, computers, phones etc.  All supplied by the company..  I knew what to wear every day.  My day and my job were well defined.  At the end of the day, I could go home and not have to worry that it would all be there waiting for me the next day.

Building your own business whether that be a product or a profession none of these factors is assured.  You have to worry about all aspects of your enterprise while you build your business, find clients, retain old clients and perform the job you have set out to do on your own.   There is no big organization flying air cover.

To begin and take my project to the finish line, I need the discipline to stay focused when all around me is a distraction. I am struggling with the discipline necessary to build a business or to write a book.  Therefore, I am having to re-train myself to have self-discipline.  I have to fight the urge to go downstairs to get something to eat, walk outside to water the plants, go for a walk or anyone of an innumerable things that I can do which have nothing to do with writing my book.  I must have the discipline to consistently work at my new job.  Discipline is my new job and I am still in the learning stages.  I am getting better but it has been a long road.  I am impressed with my friend’s businesses that they are building but I am more impressed with their discipline.

…..I think I’ll go to the kitchen and make a sandwich…..or maybe a walk or???