Could you use a little more discipline? We all could and I’ve discovered a simple way to acquire it.

Borrow it from the most disciplined person you know or know of.

So if someone comes to me and says they need more discipline, I ask “Who’s the most disciplined person you know or know of?” You can make this person your “model of discipline” and call on him or her at the very time you need discipline the most.

We all have days when the ups and downs are more down than up. And sometimes we feel stymied, frustrated and worn out.

And we all have those “I just don’t feel like it days.” Those are the days when the most disciplined person you know or know of serves a powerful purpose.

What becomes possible if a “model of discipline” model inspires you to get back to basics even for just a little while? What happens when a “model of discipline” encourages you to recharge your mental batteries and finish your objective for that day?

Imagine the difference that makes over many, many days!

A “model of discipline” is an important part of your success journey because of the edge this helps you develop over competitors. Empower yourself with discipline and you enter a select group of achievers. Even if you fret about a perceived lack of brains or talent, discipline trumps both because it keeps you in the game while other walk off the field.

Find a “model of discipline.” This is an achiever that you admire for his or her discipline.

Even if you don’t know this achiever personally, the technique I designed still works. The important issue is that you believe, either through first-hand evidence or reputation, that this achiever is a true “model of discipline.”

Disciplined role models do more than inspire us to be disciplined. They inspire a strategy that maintains discipline in the moments when discipline is about to flag.

With the preceding as background, here’s the technique I designed.

Take a deep breath. Elevate your gaze as if looking at an imaginary spot just above a distant horizon.

Call to mind a success figure that you admire for his or her discipline. As you see this image in your mind’s eye, ask “What disciplined thing can I do in this moment that ________ (insert name of “model of discipline”) would do?”

Or ask “Instead of doing what I’m doing right now, what would ________ (insert name of “model of discipline”) do?”

Let your creative mind answer. Then take action immediately or you will lose this moment of power.

Call to mind the next time your discipline might flag. In this future moment, ask your imaginary success figure the two questions above.

As you see yourself re-establishing discipline and doing the most productive thing at the moment, notice how it feels to get back on track and do the things others don’t do.

Call on your “model of discipline” whenever you feel the need. You will make your dream of success a success-filled reality.

And others will marvel at your discipline and turn you into a “model of discipline.”