(Part 2) The Third Day: The Decision Which Separates The Pros From The Amateurs

Part 1:https://www.patreon.com/posts/part-1-third-day-91641677?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The Disciplined Self Image, Finish Where Others Fall Off

Most people are not consistent in their efforts, and don't follow through on anything.

The world is full of people who never convert their intentions into anything tangible. 

Your disciplined self-image makes you the rare individual who consistently finishes what you start. 

Your 'Third Days' become Separation Days (which you will learn later on)

You create obvious differences between you and those who don't fully show up. 

The work done behind the scenes "in the dark" (with no spectators) will show itself "under the lights" when the crowd is watching. 

This idea is reflective of the Separation Day.

"Disciplined" Doesn't Mean Perfect.

Being disciplined doesn't mean being a soldier who never takes a day off. 

It doesn't mean you can't enjoy a dirty cheat meal. 

Every system, from computers to cars to smartphones to people, needs a restart every now and then.

Pro athletes have rest days from practice and sometimes even from games.

Employees receive paid time off.

A strict bodybuilder has cheat meals.

People who routinely wake up early might sleep in on a weekend or holiday.

Taking a break from a rigorous routine is not bad. It's actually healthy. 

Do what you need to do recharge your batteries then get back to it.

If you're trying to force yourself to be disciplined and it feels more like punishment than progress, that's because you're forcing it.

Discipline is much easier when there's something compelling you towards disciplined action (and being a disciplined person) rather than the friction that happens when you push yourself to do things that you don't want to do. 

You get the concept of discipline and making it your self-image. But where does that discipline come from? And how can you become a disciplined person if forcing it doesn't work?

The answer is in having discipline "anchors."

Your anchor is the answer to this question: 👇 

What do you care about or desire enough, that you are willing to be disciplined in order to get it?

Remember that The Third Day is a decision. 

The anchor question, when answered truthfully, helps you go "over the top" of common discipline challenges.

Common Discipline Challenges:

1. Boredom: Doing the same thing all the time is not exciting
2. Avoidance: Ducking and dodging any situation that may stir up uncomfortable emotions.
3. Hope: Wishing that certain things will (or won't) happen.
4. Monotony: Sticking to routines feels robotic.
5. Embarrassment: Doing stuff consistently without tangible results makes you feel stupid and useless.
6. Your Comfort Zone: It would be easier to do other things that you're more comfortable with.
7. Opportunity Cost: What about every other thing that you could be doing with your resources?(time, money and energy)

To acquire or keep anything worthwhile in life, you'll need to handle all the seven common discipline objections by using a combination of the five forms of investments in life. 

The Five Forms Of Investments In Life:

1. Time 

2. Energy 

3. Attention

4. Money

5. Focus

What do you care enough about getting, that you're willing to make these five investments to deal with the seven objections? (Discipline challenges)

When your goal is more important than:

1. The boredom of the work

2. Your desire to avoid discomfort

3. The boredom of repetitive actions

4. The embarrassment of not having achieved it yet

5. The opportunity cost for everything else you could be doing

6. The discomfort of doing something new

.....Then you'll find your discipline. You may even call it "motivation."

Motivation turns to discipline when the long= term drive is stronger than the short-term emotion. 

That discipline takes you over the top of the seven objections.

Discipline anchors are not created through hyping yourself up. 

Anchors are created by asking the right questions and executing on the answers.

I'm not a fan of rah-rah type of motivation. 

I'm not the type to scream in your face about HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?!?! 

That works for some people, but it eventually loses its effect after so many exposures.

If you need someone to hype you up for something you CLAIM you want, you're an amateur.

It's OK to be an amateur because we all start from somewhere - but only the professionals get paid for their work...

A Pro Will Always Be A Pro

Professionals don't have a choice when it comes to 'The Third Day'

The professionals understand the value and principles of:

1. Preparation

Preparation is a key choice that separates professionals from amateurs. 

A professional is never surprised by the demands of their work. It's your job to anticipate what will be asked of you, and to be prepared to deliver.

Being 'good' is not a free pass to skimp on preparation. Preparing is what makes you good.

Even after you've become good, you continue to prepare for every job.

2. Value

By definition, a professional is paid for their work. 

As a consumer, you don't exchange your money for something unless you perceive it as having more value than what you gave up to get it.

As a professional, prepare to be better than advertised. 

Make your clients, customers and bosses feel they received more from you than what they gave up. If they don't feel that way, you lose their trust.

Lose too much trust, and you'll be client-less and out of a job. 

A true professional always gives more in value than they receive in payment.

This applies to every industry.

3. Dependability

One reason you call on and pay a professional because you fully expect the professional to get it right.

Professionals offer results, not stories or excuses.

If you can't offer that, why would anyone hire / sign you?

4. Peace of mind

For yourself as the pro, your peace of mind knowing you'll have gainful employment and positive feedback.

For your clients, managers and higher ups, their peace of mind is that they rest easy knowing they have someone of your caliber on their side.

The more dependable you are, the more people will rely on you. And what we rely on, we pay for.

The epitome of the "Pro is Always Pro" approach is to expect the best of yourself every day, because that is what makes you a pro. 

No motivation needed.

If you can't do this, you're not ready to be a pro.

Conclusion to Part 2

As a professional in the midst of a Third Day, accept nothing less than full effort and full focus. 

This starts as a personal commitment to yourself and transfers to your work.

Anything less than your best will cost you your current opportunity, and future opportunities that you may not have even known about.

You will have long days and cold seasons.

But a long day is not the same as a bad day. 

A long day requires more time and effort than expected, but the work is still done. 

A bad day is one when you don't try, aren't focused, and misrepresent your professional status.

Long days make you stronger and mentally tougher.

Bad days get you fired, lose your contract or put you out of business.

Multiple long days build character for the challenges to come.

Multiple bad days will drive you out of the industry.

Utilise The Third Day for long days.

Leave the bad days to the amateurs.

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- Till next time.