The required disciplines So, you’ve decided to step up.You’re a true Namibian, who sees the need and is willing to face the challenges head on. You’ve set goals, organised your life, ensured that you live healthily and sustainably and prioritised the right relationships. All of the while engaging in your work or studies and are doing so well. Well done!
Or at least that’s the idea in theory.
Truth is, it is much easier to talk, read about or plan these things. It is a lot harder to actually get it all right – and this is me speaking from experience...
Once again, though, there is good news, for there is a secret, which has helped me a lot. The secret: disciplined routines. And, I’m not talking about a lot of them. The key is to ensure that certain important disciplines are present in your life, and practiced on a routine basis.
What exactly these essential disciplines are, will differ from person to person, but will inevitably include the following:
·Enough sleep (that means 6-10 hours),
·Regular exercise (even if it is just a 30 min walk every other day),
·Large enough blocks of undisturbed time to get some work done,
·Sufficient meaningful interaction with trusted friends to keep you sane, and
·Dedicated, deliberate time in meditation (which means effective quiet time with the Lord if you’re a Christian…this is worth more than all the others combined).
Bear in mind, it is not necessarily easy to establish and maintain these (or other) routines. Hence, the word discipline – determine what disciplines are required for you, and commit to these. You might even have to ask a friend to remind you and keep you accountable, but, it’s worth it.
So, you’ve decided to step up? Now do so, on the back of the required disciplines.
Tinus Fourie
African Leadership Institute
dawie@ali.com.na
www.ali.com.na