Finish With the Water in Your Mouth

A note to young leaders.

On self-discipline.

Self-discipline is the ability to choose “what you want most” over “what you want now”.

The Spartans were far from the ideal society – but one thing they got right was the way they instilled self-discipline in their youth.

From as early as seven years of age, the Spartans trained their children to run long-distance races with a mouthful of water.

The object of the race was to cross the finish line with the water still in your mouth – to demonstrate your mental toughness and self-control.

Modern career success is measured in decades, not years. It’s less about speed than it is about stamina.

And stamina is nothing more than a stubborn will, trained to ignore the temptations of comfort.

Do as the Spartans did. Finish the race with the water in your mouth.

The body will beg, the mind will bargain – but the soul must prevail.