How to get it:

Over the years, I have observed entrepreneurs employ a wide range of tools designed to keep their nose to the grindstone and make them more productive. Although there are many variations, they usually fall into one of these 2 categories:

1. Task Oriented

Task oriented activities usually involve some kind of list making. Discipline comes from completions and the ultimate of rewards for the tasker---the check off.

2. Time Oriented

Time oriented entrepreneurs wear watches and they use them. Some of them create elaborate charts and graphs that detail time frames and accomplishments.

Of course the real rub is that becoming a good list maker or learning to create time lines and parsing out assignments to yourself will not necessarily keep you on track or even make you more productive.

Self-discipline is most effective when it is a by-product of true passion. Successful CEOs are driven, creating task or time oriented activities inspired by a deep sense of purpose.

Instead of honing list making skills it would be best to make sure that you are in touch with your truest desires. The first skill to learn when tackling self-discipline issues is the skill it takes to be honest with yourself about the outcomes you truly desire and whether or not you are focused on it. Every CEO, to be effective, must realize that keeping a steady eye on the company's vision and remaining focused on the desired outcome of entrepreneurial efforts is the ultimate self-discipline.

Nothing drives momentum, making sure that all tasks get done along the way, like an unwavering gaze toward the finish line.

How to keep it:

I can't be certain how many times I have received that frantic call from a CEO wondering what to do next. Many of the CEO's that call me are mentors to others and have built successful and often thriving businesses. That doesn't necessarily make them immune to the perils of too much work, too little time, and no organized way to get it all done.

Thus, I often hear panic on the other end of the phone. The words are almost always the same, "I don't know what to do next."

I have a piece of standard advice when a CEO doesn't know what to do next. "Don't do anything." I repeat the words of one of my favorite mentors, Dr. Robert Anthony.

"Just do the work that is in front of you." Which means do what you have to do to keep the wheels from coming off then move on to step two.

"Take time and energy to get refocused on the outcomes you desire, especially the big one, the one you started your business to get. When you have completed step two to your satisfaction just relax. The right actions will quickly reveal themselves and you will not need to discipline yourself to get them done. You won't be able to hold yourself back.

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