Self-Control Comes Down to Thought-Control

The influential leader realizes that self-control really comes down to thought-control.  Consequently, he insists on doing his own thinking.  Thinking about your vision, your mission, your goals, and the needs of your group several times daily – especially upon awaking and before retiring – will go a long way toward guaranteeing your exercise of self-control.

– Haggai, Dr. John E, The Influential Leader: 12 Steps to Igniting Visionary Decision Making, copyright 2009, Harvest House Publishers: Eugene, Oregon, page 113

Make Discipline a Lifestyle Priority

In an age increasingly geared to consumption, discipline has become increasingly rare.  People see it as too demanding, too high-minded, too perfectionist.  Yet discipline – including a basic religious discipline – pays enormous dividends in leadership.  Mediocre leaders make compromises and give themselves the luxury of little self-indulgences.  Influential leaders – from Rockefeller to Gandhi to Mandela – all made discipline a lifestyle priority.

– Haggai, Dr. John E, The Influential Leader: 12 Steps to Igniting Visionary Decision Making, copyright 2009, Harvest House Publishers: Eugene, Oregon, page 111-112