Extraordinary results come from ordinary people with uncommon discipline." - Anonymous
The Renewed Man program, at its heart, is focused on helping men make small changes
that will lead to big results in their lives. Things like:
- taking time each day -- usually in the morning -- to connect to God and be reminded about their commitment to self-control
- breaking out of isolation by making consistent connections with other guys
- finding some hobby or activity that gets them to move
- engaging in periodic structured conversations with their wives
- etc., etc.
Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing momentous.
All these are small steps. And if you look at them, they're all easy to do. Then why is it so hard to consistently DO them? Why do so few men stick with it?
Shane Parrish reflected on this very issue recently in his Farnham Street newsletter. He was addressing this question: Why is it that so few people are able to make lasting changes -- even small ones -- over time? Here's what he says:
The answer boils down to a single word: discipline. Not many people have consistent discipline when times are good. Even fewer in times of stress.
Anyone can do something once. Not everyone can do it consistently. Eating healthy for a meal is common. Eating healthy all
week is not. Working out occasionally is common. Working out a few times a week is not. Going to bed on time is easy. Doing it for a week is not.
Positioning yourself for future success is simple but not easy. The hardest part is the discipline required to do otherwise ordinary things
for an extraordinarily long period of time, even when the results are barely noticeable.
When people say you need to love the process, this is what they mean. Can you do it when it’s hard? Can you do it when other people stop? Can you work on something long enough to let it compound? Can you do it
when the results aren’t visible?
Putting yourself in a position for success is simple. Doing it day in and day out is hard.
Source: Farnham Street Newsletter, 02.13.22
