Which Will You Suffer The Pain of Discipline or The Pain of Regret?

This question really started haunting me (in a good way!) a few years ago when I read the quote by Jim Rohn ” we must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment.” After being hit with this liberating reality I made a commitment to myself to always find or create a way to achieve my goals and maximize my life. Why was this important to me? Because I knew that I was created to live an extraordinary life.

If you consistently read this blog and have a desire to turn your goals into reality then I strongly believe the same is true about you. You’re a goal-getter. You have tons of creative ideas and big dreams that you want to manifest but you’re not quite sure where to start and don’t feel like you’re well equipped, have the right resources, support, or skills. But guess what? None of these things can stop you from living a life without regret.

The Problem

The only thing that can stop you, is you. Only you can procrastinate, overthink and magnify your problems, continue to be undisciplined, and constantly self-sabotage your way out of amazing opportunities. Only you have the power to break destructive patterns in your life and move from being stuck in a stifling comfort zone and feeling lost to having a clear vision of what you want and where you’re going.

Life doesn’t get easier as you get older. Things don’t just begin to magically fall into place. Why do you think there are people that you know right now who are older than you, yet they still struggle and live pay cheque to pay cheque? Don’t you think they once had dreams of a better life? Don’t you think they had goals they wanted to achieve and plans they wanted to execute? But what happen? How did they end up where they are, living with regret, wishing they had worked smarter, invested in themselves and made better decisions?  They simply waited too long before they kicked into action. 

The Solution

Taking action is the ONLY solution for every challenge your currently facing. Taking action doesn’t mean blind enthusiasm or neglecting your responsibilities to pursue a dream. No, taking action is maintaining your responsibilities while applying the right knowledge (principles) to improve yourself and your situation. Taking action is not operating in ignorance. It’s the opposite, it’s choosing to be wise.

Without taking action you will live and die in your current situation. My friend, there is no perfect time to pursue your goals. You might think you’re safer not taking risks and choosing to do nothing but the truth is, you’re limiting yourself and your potential progress. You will never become who you’re meant to be if you live for today and don’t work towards the future you want. You will never feel the freedom and joy that comes with challenging yourself and keeping the commitments that you make to yourself.

Again, I have to ask, are you living for today which will lead to regret and disappointment in the future or are you investing in yourself and putting in the work for your goals now? Remeber, we will all have to suffer one of two pains: “the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment.” Until next time, xo!