Small Daily Actions Create Success

Self-discipline is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be really difficult. When you think about it, we can even make it more difficult and challenging than it has to be. Jim Rohn, a legendary personal achievement expert, once said, “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.” It seems easy when you break it down like that.

Recently, I read a post by Marc and Angel, productivity experts and authors. It was a great story about two explorers in 1911–Amundsen and Scott. They were racing against each other to become the first to reach the South Pole. The journey was about 1400 miles long, and both men would be traveling the same distance through extreme weather conditions with supplies and support teams.

The two men took completely different approaches to their journeys. Scott led his team by conducting a feast or famine mentality. They would walk as far as possible on the good days and take the bad weather days off. Amundsen, on the other hand, commanded his team to walk 20 miles every day–no matter the weather conditions. He would not let them walk more than 20 miles even on the mild days so they could conserve their energy for the next day. So who do you think made it first?

This story reminds me of Darren Hardy’s book The Compound Effect. If you haven’t read it, you must. It is a great reminder of how important small habits are in your journey to success. Be intentional and consistent every day with your actions. Don’t put things off or take the easy way out. Oh, and in case you hadn’t guessed…Amundsen’s team won.