Freedom and discipline

What do some of the best athletes and top performers have in common? They show great discipline in their work and day-to-day life. I truly believe that discipline and healthy habits can create an unstoppable team. As I researched where discipline comes from and how to develop it in my company, I stumbled upon a simple statement from Author Michael Abrashoff: “Freedom creates discipline." It may sound counterintuitive at first, but I firmly believe that freedom creates discipline. Let's dive into why this is the case and how it applies to your business and life in general.

When we think of discipline, we often imagine strict rules and routines that leave no room for creativity or spontaneity. However, true discipline is not about restriction but about the ability to make conscious choices and take responsibility for our actions. It requires a deep understanding of our goals, values and priorities, with a willingness to make sacrifices and stay committed to our vision.

Freedom, on the other hand, is often associated with lack of structure or accountability. However, true freedom is not about doing whatever we want, whenever we want. It is about having the power to choose our own path and pursue our own interests, without being limited by external constraints or expectations.

So how do these two seemingly opposite concepts come together? The key is understanding that freedom and discipline are not mutually exclusive but rather two sides of the same coin. In fact, the more freedom we have, the more disciplined we need to be in order to use it effectively and achieve success. 

​Think about it this way: If you have no rules or boundaries, you are likely to waste your time and energy on unimportant tasks, procrastinate or get sidetracked by distractions. On the other hand, if you have a clear vision and a set of goals, you can use your freedom to explore different options, experiment with new ideas and take calculated risks that will help you achieve your objectives. 

In the context of business, this means that the most successful companies are those that give their employees the freedom to think and act creatively while also providing them with a clear framework of expectations and goals. When employees feel empowered to make their own decisions and take ownership of their work, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated and productive. At the same time, when there is a shared understanding of what needs to be achieved and how to measure success, everyone can work toward a common purpose and hold themselves accountable.

This approach also applies to our personal lives. When we have the freedom to choose how we spend our time and pursue our passions, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility to manage our time and resources wisely so that we can achieve our goals and maintain a healthy balance between work, family and leisure.

Freedom creates discipline by providing us with the resources to explore our potential and pursue our aspirations, while also requiring us to be accountable for our choices and actions. Whether in business or in life, the key is to strike a balance between these two concepts so that we can achieve our goals and live our lives to the fullest. At the end of the day, happiness often comes from us fulfilling our true potential.

I have learned that giving my team the freedom to express their creativity and take ownership of their work has led to better results and a more positive work environment. I encourage you to think about how you can apply this principle to your own life to experience the benefits for yourself.