DISCIPLINE: 4 PRACTICAL TIPS TO MASTERING YOURSELF
January 23, 2020

Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest once said, "You can never conquer the mountain. You can only conquer yourself." Like Whittaker implies, the only limiting factor between success and failure is not our circumstances, but ourselves. Self-discipline is the first and foremost way we can take our life to new heights and conquer new territory. 


Here are 4 Practical Tips to Mastering Yourself:


1. Start With the End in Mind 

Anytime you set a worthwhile goal for yourself, self-discipline will play an intricate part in whether or not you reach it. Because of this truth, it is imperative to start your journey with the end in mind. In other words, you have to believe the goal can be accomplished before you will experience the benefits of it. 


So, how would it feel to hire 10 more employees by the end of the year, get 20 pounds slimmer, or give up that troubling addiction? Anytime you set out to achieve something difficult and worthwhile, the course you set for yourself must be a response to the positive future you envision. If not, our actions will be like climbing a mountain with no summit. 


2. Seek Accountability From Others

No person has ever done anything extraordinary without someone to help them along the way. Batman has Robin, Holmes has Watson, and Shrek has Donkey. As humans, we often operate at a higher level when we have someone holding us to a certain standard. It could be your boss, spouse, or a good friend. Be transparent about the goal you have set and watch people rally by your side. 


If no one knows about your plan to hire more employees, lose 20 pounds or break that addiction, then the odds of seeing your goal come to pass will probably fail. Not only does accountability help hold us to a high caliber, but it gives us motivation as well as a companion on the journey. 


3. If you Fail, Get Back Up

Discipline is an art, and because of this it won't be a flawless climb to the summit. Big or small, you will most likely fail at some point along the way. You must approach self-discipline with the mindset that values progress more than perfection. You must believe every day is a new day and every moment is a new moment. If you make good choices today, you have to reset your mind and do it again tomorrow. In contrast, if you fail today then you have to reset and make better decisions moving forward.


If any type of failure completely throws you off course, then all of the prior disciplined decisions you made before don't matter nearly as much. Remember, discipline is not ultimately about immediate results or even the end goal, but instead is about the maturation and self-mastery that will occur as a result.


4. Self-Discipline is a Process 

Self-Discipline is not the short-term solution to a problem, agenda, or goal that you have. It is a process, and like any worthwhile adventure, it takes time. For example, Let's say that your goal is to become a better leader so that you can increase your influence in your workplace. This isn't something that can be done in a week's time. In fact, you may have to break some bad habits, practice living out the values of the company, study your field, and be ready to go the extra mile at all times. You may even mess up along the way. However, these small yet important decisions will compound to create an abundance of results that could change your life. 



Contrary to what some people may think, self-discipline is much more of an art than a science. It is like climbing Mount Everest, not the hill behind your house. The ups and downs of the journey make it difficult to stay motivated, and it will require you to win the battle of your mind every day. But remember, staying disciplined and on course is a process, and trying to accomplish everything at once is not the answer. 

 

Ultimately, discipline is not about flipping the switch from undisciplined to disciplined. It is the art of knowing what you want, and taking the necessary steps to achieve it. It not easy, comfortable or quick, but it can make a dramatic difference in your life. If you can dream it, ask for help, respond to failure, and take one day at a time, then you are on your way to climbing bigger and better mountains. 

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
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