I know that some struggle with internal discipline.

But this is a struggle that eludes me.

I have always had an enormous self-discipline.

Not sure if I got it from my parents, or sports, or maybe my personality?

This is one of the reasons I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.

If I set my mind to do something, I will just start right now.

Why make a big deal about it?

Be encouraged if this is not you.

Take the long view of it all.

Concentrate on a 10-year goal, rather than your daily emotions and desires that can shift like the wind.

Understand: your mind is weaker than your emotions. But you become aware of this weakness only in moments of adversity—precisely the time when you need strength. What best equips you to cope with the heat of battle is neither more knowledge nor more intellect. What makes your mind stronger, and more able to control your emotions, is internal discipline and toughness.

-Robert Greene, The 33 Strategies Of War