Ryan brings into our conscience the vital need for self-control. He expounds in detail how to develop this quality. He equates it to each individual’s destiny. If any man is to reach their destiny, they need to master the ‘self‘.
His writing on self-discipline which he specifies as temperance transcends beyond personal grandness to leadership, teamwork, relationship, and spiritual commitments.
Since we’ve all got the freedom to do as we please, we mistake it for a license to indulge ourselves without control. He explains our need to maintain self-discipline or risk ruin, imbalance, dysfunction, or dependency.
Temperance, as he describes it, “is not deprivation but command on oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually – demanding only the best of oneself, even when no one is looking, even when allowed less. It takes courage this way, not just because it is hard, but because it sets you apart.”
The book leads you to a sense of responsibility for oneself regardless of the circumstances and situations. It reminds you of the power you have. The power of self-control. In the end, we become the responsible authorities over what has happened in our lives. Like the book “No Excuses” by Brian Tracy, “Discipline is Destiny” doesn’t allow shortcut explanation for a failed life.
He emphasizes on a number of action points and qualities that need developing as he gives great examples of leaders and known people who exercised the same temperance and finished victorious with destinies achieved.
Some of his exhortations include; cleaning up to tune your mind to your work, practicing whatever your desired skill until mastery is achieved and then continue practicing, hustling without giving up, battling against pain and pleasure , and taking control of the body through directing your eating, sleeping, learning, exercises, etc.
The way he elaborates on these areas and give examples brings the reader to a pure understanding of why the stoics praised this rare virtue – temperance.
If you have struggled with self-discipline or self-control or know someone who has such struggles, I can ascertain that this is the book you should suggest for them or make your next reading. You will not regret it. And after you have done that, come back and let me know.
I have loved this book since the first day I read it. It is one of those books that changes you forever. Those books that you cannot finish reading and remain as you were.
I am looking forward to reading more of his books.
Have you read this book?
