Strength of Trees

In windstorms, when trees are close together and close to the same size, very few trees get damaged by the wind.  When those same trees are thinned out, what happens when the winds come?  Even when the wind is far weaker, many of the remaining trees are damaged or destroyed.  It is amazing how much more resilient trees are when grouped together, and the same thing is true of us.  When we group together with others who share our beliefs, goals, and values we are far less susceptible to failure and temptation.  We have others around us to help us stand up to the ‘winds’ of negativity and peer pressure.  We can and will succeed when we stand beside and support each other.  

And once there, invite others to join you, that they too may both be strengthened by and add strength to your group.

 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.   1 Thessalonians 5:11

Create your Culture

The horrible 'D' word: Discipline!  It's actually a pretty fantastic word when you add 'self' to the beginning of it, because it is through self-discipline that the most important battles in your life will be won.
My post today isn't actually centered on self-discipline, although it really is a great topic to ponder and apply to daily life.  No matter what facet of life you consider (physical, spiritual, mental) self-discipline is where results and success are planted, cultivated, and maintained.  But today, it is the culture of discipline that I would like to discuss.
The word culture has many different meanings, and can be applied to many different situations.  One great definition I found is: the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc. 
Culture, by this definition, is applicable to both an individual and to a group.  And this culture (as a quality) is developed out of concern or belief in what is good, desirable, or 'excellent'.  

• What is important to you?  
• Would your life be better if you could communicate more clearly with others?  
• Is health important to you (and if not, why not)?  
• Are you happy with your career/business/job situation?  Could (and possibly should) that situation be better?

A culture of discipline deeply effects everything in your life.  Having the discipline to obtain great training and education in a field that you love will open up doors of opportunity and fulfillment 'not available' to others.  Having the discipline to eat right and exercise regularly will both keep you out of the doctor's office (and subsequently from having to take multiple prescription medications) and increase your quality of life.  Having the discipline to speak with love and care to those you love and care for (and to others you will grow to love and care for) will hugely increase the chances that they too will love and care for you (or continue to do so).

Remember, that your culture is up to you.  And that it is both a personal culture (who you are and what you do when you are alone or independent of the group), and a group culture (the types the groups you choose to be associated with as well as those you choose to avoid)

Your Own Personal Culture of Discipline:

God designed us with an incredible capacity to do, to be and to become!  See in your mind who you can be, and why, and remember that God created you with the ability to make miraculous changes in your life.  You can lose weight (if you both need to and want to).  You can start your own hugely successful business, or transform your struggling business into a fantastic success.  You can find great peace, love and joy in life, and even share that peace with others.

 The Group Culture of Discipline:

As a business owner and employer, I have had many group culture experiences over the years and I have seen both extremes when it comes to a culture of discipline in 'my group'.  There have been times when life couldn't have been much better, which was a direct result of the great attitude and moral character of the whole group, (a wonderfully positive culture of discipline).  The individual members of the team had the discipline to show up on time, put in an honest day of work, keep their language and attitudes positive, treat others with respect (both inside and outside of the company), and encourage the same characteristics in others.  What a happy place to work!  It didn't matter if it was Friday, Monday, or even the occasional Saturday, we all enjoyed being there, and looked forward to work!  Then there were times when one or more members of the group did not have that self-discipline.  Foul language, drug/alcohol abuse, disrespect of others, disregard of company policies/rules, and bad attitudes really create havoc and quickly destroy the culture of discipline in any group.  Those who were thriving, growing, and enjoying the group dynamic, began to lose interest and any sense of fulfillment they once had.

Don't be the flat tire in your group!  And don't let the flat tire drag down the rest of the group!  Practice self-discipline in your personal life, and associate with others who do the same!  You will attract others who want to become better, and you will be attracted to groups that help you become better.  If you own or manage a business, create that culture of discipline with disciplined people who think, speak, and act with discipline.  You will need the discipline to hire those who will fit into your culture and enhance your culture.  And sometimes the more difficult task: get rid of those people who don't and won't support your culture of discipline so that they don't drag everyone else down with them.