Context

1. Why am I reading this book?

I am re-reading this book because applying the ideas in it impacted my life in an extremely positive way in the past.

2. What do I hope to get out of it?

I would like to compile the knowledge into a set of goals/principles/ideas that I can take action on over the next 12 months to radically improve my life, advance me towards my personal goals, and improve my self-discipline and quality of character.

Questions

• Why are some people more successful (in this domain) than others?
• What is necessary for success?
• Is this consistent with my longterm goals?
• What specific actions am I taking today (this hour etc.) to increase my self-discipline in this area?

Definitions

• Self-discipline: The regular practice (habit) of doing what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not (self-mastery, self-control, self-denial, delayed-gratification). You can become an excellent person by practicing self-discipline whenever it is called for (trigger). To develop this habit first make a firm decision about how you will behave in a particular area of activity. Then refuse to allow exceptions unit the habit of self-discipline in that area is firmly established. Each time you slip, you resolve once again to keep practicing self-discipline until it becomes easier for you to behave in a disciplined way than an undisciplined way. You refuse to make excuses.

• Time-perspective: the amount of time an individual takes into consideration when determining his present actions.

• Self-esteem: how much you like and value yourself

• Self-respect, personal pride

• Self-image: How you see yourself, your mental model of yourself, generally and situationally. Think and see yourself in a more and more positive way.

Quotes

• " You are unstoppable, like a force of nature. You will never make excuses for not making progress. You will accomplish more in the next few months and years than most people accomplish in a lifetime."
• "Everything is hard before it is easy."
• "Short term gain, longterm pain."
• "Positive longterm consequences of their behaviors."
• "Losers make excuses, winners make progress."
• "Continually demand more of yourself."
• "Learn what you need to know, and apply what you need to do, the things which are necessary for success."
• "Be ready and willing to pay the price."