Discipline: Training the Mind to Manage Your Life

My initial attraction to this book was the authors' assertion that what they've learned about discipline they developed from jobs in technology. That appealed to me because they live in my world. I am in a computer related management job and for the past 14 years have embraced a torrid pace of technology adoption so that my company can compete. I woke up one day to the realization that I had become a good technologist but was seriously lacking in the ability to execute on vision and long-term goals. This is where the book delivered for me. Kern and Willi bring a conversational writing style to deliver a clear and very direct message: Unless you can train your mind to execute, setting goals serves little purpose. Their advice is simple and practical. Taking a typical day and breaking it down by the mundane chores we all have (brushing teeth, having breakfast, driving to daycare, work, etc.) they suggest ways you can improve your productivity and even get back hours in a day with small changes in your routine. Some of their suggestions seem extreme for some people but it serves to drive home their message: Changing your paradigm (the way you view your environment) is the first step in disciplining the mind to "maintain a sense of Balance, Urgency and Focus." This is not a book with a lot of theory. It's peppered with quotes throughout and is an easy read because the topics are short and to the point. And when an author's passion for the subject is self evident, it makes the reading experience much more enjoyable.

There are many books out on the market that present theories on how successful people live and operate. Many of them are very good and give you an insight into the world of the successful ladder climber. I personally gained a lot from a few notable greats in the areas of time and people management. Though they are useful I have usually be left wanting for something more or some secret ingredient that makes life run a bit better. How does someone like Jack Welch or Daniel Fuss stay on top? I know they are successful, but did they get their "game" from luck or something else. I didn't have a valid answer to that question until I read Harris Kern's book on discipline. Now it is plain to see that discipline was a base behavior for most if not all of these successful individuals. How is Harris Kern's book different from other in the "self improvement" genre? The biggest difference is it isn't theoretical discussion about "what is" or what to do. The book helps lay the foundation from which all other succuess are derived. It helps you determine what "you" should do to be successful and get the most out of each minute of each day for the rest of your life. This is important because each persons needs are different from the next person. This means that roads to success are varied and specific to each individual. Simply put, Harris reminds us that we are our own masters and in full control of our lives. He inspires us to challenge ourselves to be better and to never accept anything less than success. In the short period of time since reading this book I have been gain some invaluable benefits in my life. I'm less stressed and getting more done and feeling healthier. If you are like me and carry a title of Chief Procrastinator, this book is for you. If you are at the top of your game, this book is still for you.

I have been interested in the area of discipline for years and have been an ardent reader of materials dealing with discipline. In particular I am very interested in self-discipline - the discovery, the growth, the practice and the sharing of self-discipline. In Harris' book although it lacks the theory and detailed research on the subject of discipline, it is tremendously rich in the area of actual practice of self-discipline. And it is precisely this area that makes the book so beneficial. Here are two person who doesn't live in an ivory tower dishing out theories on what self discipline is or should be. Here's a story like book on how to actually practice self-discipline from people who actually "walk the talk". I find it really useful in relating to my sons, as some tips in the book are really practical, and my sons can see that straight away - especially the part on "HK'S Time Wasteland". In summary I would say - Those who can, DO. Those who can't TEACH. And if you want to learn from those who can and really does what they teach, here's your final book on self-discipline.

What a great read!. I sit here having just returned from another great workout at the local gym. In the past my visits have been 'sporadic'. Now every time I feel an excuse coming on I hear Harris and Karen's voices in my subconscious and know I am only cheating myself if I don't get out there and complete my goals.Harris and Karen have a wealth of motivational suggestions within this gem of a book that are there for the taking - its just a matter of committing yourself to take action. As someone who thought they had a fairly high degree of discipline I now realise I have a long way to go. But taking it step by step as outlined in the book, the task is not nearly as daunting and already I am noticing changes in my attitudes and activity levels.Even if you only pick up two or three of the many pertinent points within this book - READ IT - it has the power to change your life if you only open your mind to the possibilities. Harris - Thank You.

This book builds on the foundations of Kern's first book on the topic (Discipline: Six Steps to Unleashing Your Hidden Potential), and presents a much more organized and wholistic view of how Discipline can permeate and direct every aspect of life. From analyzing the way we spend our time; to getting rid of the destructive mental messages (the authors call this "psyching yourself out") that we subconsciously give ourselves; to keeping ourselves fit; and further to keeping our minds sharp... this book covers it all.The ideas presented in the book are so practical and down-to-earth that anyone can literally implement these ideas the very same day s/he reads the book. However, these same ideas also illustrate just how tough it is to acquire Discipline, because altering one's lifestyle and thinking are much easier said than done.Despite the challenges, the authors make clear through their own lives and achievements that Discipline offers rich rewards to those that diligently seek it. Many readers will certainly find this book inspiring and life-changing.