"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." --Jim Rohn
Submitted by Good Morning Reader and Quote Collector Extraordinaire, Debbie Schwer

Good morning! Debbie sent in this quote her daughter found which speaks to a problem that many of us face - while we desire a specific result, a foreboding gap may stand between our goal and accomplishment.

Over the years I have met many women who will chalk this up to "lack of will power" or "lack of self discipline." I prefer to take a more positive approach - it is called "growth."

Imagine a child in kindergarten for a moment. That child decides he wants to be President of the United States. That probably happens hundreds of times around the country each day - a child proclaiming their intent to run the country. Yet this child is different, he wants to accomplish that goal NEXT MONTH.

Well... a month comes, and a month goes. You might have already guessed how this story ends... he doesn't become president in those 30 days. Why do you think that is? Would it be chalked up to lack of self-discipline or willpower? Of course not. However, it could be attributed to growth and process. Every goal and desire is a growth and a process - a journey.

We live in an instant-gratification society. We have figured out how to have food NOW versus cooking it (drive through), we can have information NOW (via the internet) versus asking or going to a library. We can book trips around the world NOW versus going to a travel agency. We can communicate in written form NOW (through email versus hand-written letter). Somehow many of us feel we should thus be able to accomplish our goal and change RIGHT NOW.

Until we find a way to order our favorite goal, pre-done and delivered at the local drive-through, let us remember that it is a process of many steps. It is not a matter of self-discipline or willpower, but a matter of focus, daily action, and time.

Your Turn: Where have you been belittling yourself for not "getting more done," or not having "self discipline" or the "required willpower?" Consider that goals and desires are a journey and the place you are now is one required step on that path.

Affirmation: I cherish the journey.