No Excuses: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy was another book that I picked when I was not entirely ready of the directness and practicality of the book. The book is not that sort of book that spoils you and speaks sweet inspirational words to you. Rather, it is similar to a mentor who does not desire to hear any excuses. At the outset, Brian Tracy clarifies the distinction between the successful and the unsuccessful individuals is not luck or background or even talent.
Self-discipline is the actual distinction. And he tells you that there is hardly nothing you cannot do in case you can control yourself and keep in check. The message attracted me since, just like most Nigerians, I was aware of the easy way to attribute our troubles to circumstances. This book however made me realize that excuses are not going to make a difference.
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The initial lesson which struck me was the responsibility. Tracy insists that it is upon us to completely assume our lives. Initially, I believed that to be mean since life in Nigeria can be extremely difficult sometimes. The state does not work, and jobs are few, and prices of items continue to increase. Complaining and blaming the system is natural. However, as I read, I understood what he meant, that it is not about blaming and it does not solve the situation. It is no use griping and complaining that food does not put food on the table.
When I continue to say that it is the government to blame, then I have given in my authority to change my life. Being accountable requires one to ask himself the question, What can I do other than today? To illustrate, rather than seeing the negative side of the fact that I have no job, I can coach myself to learn a digital skill, and practice it every day, and identify methods to make money online. This change of mindset was very strong to me as it helped me remember that even in a harsh environment I still have options.
The other lesson that was notable is that success does not come easy. Tracy is quite explicit: it is not the people who sit around and wait that miracles might happen to them. It is they who work, day in, day out, when they do not feel like working. I could relate to this as it was a reflection of me since I am aware of the number of times I begin a project and abandon it half-way.
I exercise and after another week I have an excuse that I am tired. I begin to save money then I quit when costs are too high. The book helped me to understand that it is those excuses that have slowed the progress. The words of Tracy brought me back to what my father would say to me; You cannot eat the fruit of a tree which you have never watered. According to him, success is the product of discipline- do the right thing always until it yields.
The part of the book that actually inspired me was the part where he explained the way self-discipline helps to develop confidence. This used to be something I had not considered. According to him, each time you train yourself to do something, even the tiniest thing, you start believing in yourself. That self trust develops self respect and confidence. I recalled the time when I once made it a challenge to wake up each morning at 5 a.m. a month and pray and organize myself to face the day. Initially it was extremely challenging.
My body had the desire to stay in bed. However, I started feeling proud after the first week that I was doing it. At the month-end, I realized that there was increased energy and respect on my part. Such a minor discipline helped me understand that I can manage my life in case I want to. The argument that Tracy made on confidence through discipline resonated with me a great deal since I had experienced it in my past, and I realized how true that is.
Money was also a subject of talk in the book. Tracy feels that financial success is established through financial discipline. He does not make it complicated, he tells you straight up things save at least ten percent of your income, live within your means and do not spend money on things that are not important. As I read this section, the first thing that came to my mind was the way in which I just waste money. Air time, food out, little flashy stuff they all seem to be nothing at the time, but I do not add it up until I do, and I find it to be a lot.
The words of Tracy made me understand that I will never be able to make a living, regardless of the income I earn as long as I will be doing the same. Having completed that chapter, I resolved to begin writing down my costs in a little notebook. During the first week, I observed the rate at which I was squandering money on some unproductive activities. That was a good wake-up call to me.
The other valuable lesson was the lesson on health. According to Tracy, taking care of your body also implies discipline. This is something that most of us overlook due to the fact that we believe that we are still young. But he says that he will not care about all the money and success in the world without good health. He discusses work-outs, good dieting, and not having habits which harm the body. This section was very personal to me.
I am familiar with my numerous attempts to exercise and abandon them after two or three days. I understand also how it is so tempting to continue to eat junk food or have excess soft drinks. This book helped me understand that discipline in health is not something minor.
Otherwise, I will regret it later, unless I control myself. I have been doing small exercises at home since that point, although it can be as simple as push-ups and jogging at home. It does not come easy, however, after each completion, I am happy with myself.
The thing that resonated with me in the end of the book is that discipline is freedom. At first, that sounds strange. Most individuals believe that discipline is punishment or misery. However, Tracy demonstrates that it is discipline that sets you free.
When you train yourself on money you become financially free. The war on yourself with health gives you the liberty of energy and strength. A success is the freedom that comes to a person when working disciplines him/herself. This entirely altered my perception of discipline. It is not my enemy. It is my best friend.