Meaning of Success? 11 Lessons: Theme 5, 6
Success? Lessons: Theme 5 & 6 — Discipline and Bravery
Theme 5 — Discipline
- Discipline—both internal and external. (From being a Vulcan)
It’s funny this section began as a single line, because discipline runs through everything I do. Every dream on the list requires it. I wish I were better at it, and I’m working on that.
How am I doing?
I’m working on it. Compared to the boy who graduated high school, I’m a far more disciplined adult. But I know I can push further. I see it in the days I’ve let this paper sit untouched. I need stronger study habits, continued mental training, and—most of all—deeper meditation. Even after 30 years, my mind still barges in while I’m meditating.
Theme 6 — Bravery
- Courage—not necessarily the kind for walking up to strangers, but the courage to build my own life. To say, “LA stinks—I'm moving to Vancouver.” (From being a Vulcan)
“Bravery” might not be the perfect label, but it’s close. What I’m really describing is learning to live with fear—meeting it, weighing it, and choosing wisely. My trip to Scotland was a master class in this: returning the rental car and taking the train wasn’t defeat—it was a judgment call. I could have fought through right-side/left-side driving, but it wasn’t worth it.
My marriage became another course in fear—and in strength. Marriage is supposed to be about trust; mine demanded trust of a different kind. I couldn’t trust my wife; I had to trust myself—trust that no matter how much damage her choices caused, I would find a way to survive and keep my integrity.
How am I doing?
I’m not entirely sure. I’ve always thought of myself as a coward, yet many things I’ve done took real courage—moving north, learning to fly. Other choices are harder to read. Staying with my wife—was that love or fear? I want to believe it was courage, but I also know how afraid of confrontation I can be. Maybe bravery, for me, is telling the truth about both.
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