Self-discipline is the fifth of the 17 Success Principles, as outlined by DR. Napoleon Hill. It is a wider concept in the philosophy of success than we would normally assume it to mean in daily discourse.
Napoleon Hill defines this principle to mean the control of your thoughts such that you focus only on the things you want and ignore the things you do not want. The wisdom in the foregoing statement lies in the universal truth that "you become what you think". Best selling author and philosopher Dr Wayne Dyer says that perhaps the greatest seven words ever strung together is the proverbs saying "as you think so shall you be"
Be careful about what you focus your mind on for you are likely to become what you think. Sow a thought and you reap a habit, sow a habit and you reap a character, sow a character and you reap a destiny, goes the adage.
The sad fact of the foregoing statement is that most people focus on negative thoughts and all the things that they cannot do rather than thinking about the things they can. No wonder the majority of people are failures. Yes failures no matter what your definition of failure or success is; you will realize through any survey that most adults are disillusioned and unhappy because their dreams have eluded them and they helplessly go around with the same routine day in day out with some hope of a 'lucky break'. Focus on the things you want and ignore the things you do not want.
Strive to maintain a positive mental attitude A positive mental attitude is rooted in the universal truth that God is always a good God.
The key to self-discipline is to set clearly stated goals backed with deadlines, and to focus on those goals. And work consistently towards the achievement of those goals be they of material nature or the higher spiritual values of life.
Self discipline also calls for the control of one's emotions with a view to develop the habit of using the positive emotions like love, hope, faith, and enthusiasm. The negative emotions, which hinder our progress in terms of the achievement of material and spirituals goals include, anger, revenge, fear, and superstition.
Strive to cancel your negative emotions by using faith and love and move on with your positive emotion for a better life.
self-control is strength; right thought is mastery; calmness is power; say unto your heart, Peace be still!
About the Author
Momodou Sabally is a motivational speaker and author. He has developed a series of articles on self-motivation and success available FREE on his website, www.mlsabally.com.
Self-discipline is the fifth of the 17 Success Principles, as outlined by DR. Napoleon Hill. It is a wider concept in the philosophy of success than we would normally assume it to mean in daily discourse. 
