Running a small business is not for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, vision, and the ability to press forward even when motivation fades. The truth is, motivation alone is fleeting. It’s discipline that builds empires. As a small business owner, you’ve likely felt the highs of inspiration and the lows of burnout. The key to sustaining success lies in understanding the role of discipline and adopting the mindset of leaders like Jocko Willink, David Goggins, and Jordan Peterson.

The Myth of Motivation

Motivation is an emotional response. It comes and goes, often dependent on external circumstances. You might feel motivated after a great sales meeting, a glowing customer review, or a surge of new orders. But what about the days when nothing seems to go right? What happens when the glow of motivation fades?

As former Navy SEAL and leadership expert Jocko Willink puts it: “Discipline equals freedom.” Discipline ensures that you get the job done regardless of how you feel. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work, and staying consistent. Unlike motivation, discipline doesn’t waver.

Lessons from the Greats

Let’s look at how some renowned leaders have exemplified the power of discipline over motivation:

• Jocko Willink: Jocko is a master of discipline. He wakes up at 4:30 a.m. every day to work out, regardless of how he feels. He emphasizes that success comes from mastering the little things. For business owners, this means creating systems and habits that ensure daily tasks get completed. Whether it’s following up with leads, balancing your books, or improving your marketing efforts, discipline keeps the wheels turning.
• David Goggins: Known as the “toughest man alive,” Goggins embodies the principle of pushing past comfort. He teaches that your mind gives up far before your body does. In business, this translates to embracing challenges and pushing through when the going gets tough. Maybe it’s cold-calling potential clients or staying late to finalize a project. Discipline helps you overcome the mental barriers that might otherwise hold you back.
• Jordan Peterson: Peterson’s philosophy on personal responsibility resonates deeply with entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals, creating order, and taking responsibility for your actions. As a business owner, this means understanding that the success or failure of your enterprise rests on your shoulders. Discipline ensures that you’re taking proactive steps toward your goals every single day.
• Marine Corps Leadership Principles: The Marine Corps’ emphasis on accountability, adaptability, and leading by example offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs. In the Marines, discipline is instilled through rigorous training and a focus on teamwork. For small business owners, this means creating a culture of discipline within your team and modeling the behavior you want to see.

Set Realistic Goals to Build Momentum

Too often, people set goals that are so ambitious they’re nearly impossible to sustain. This leads to frustration and burnout when those goals aren’t met. Instead, set the bar low enough to build momentum. Success is about consistency, not perfection.

One way to stay disciplined is to focus on just today. Don’t think about having to do something every day for years, months, or even weeks. Think only about doing it today. This mindset reduces the psychological weight of long-term commitments and makes it easier to stay consistent. By focusing on the present, you can string together small wins that lead to big successes over time.

Do Something That Sucks Every Day



A powerful way to build discipline is to embrace discomfort daily. As David Goggins teaches, doing something that sucks strengthens mental toughness and fortifies your resolve. Maybe it’s tackling the task you’ve been procrastinating, hitting the gym even when you’re tired, or making that tough phone call. Whether it’s something you dislike or simply find challenging, facing discomfort head-on builds resilience and makes other obstacles feel smaller in comparison. This principle doesn’t just apply to personal growth—it’s a cornerstone for business success.

Applying Discipline in Your Business

Here are actionable steps to implement discipline and drive your business forward:

1. Set Non-Negotiable Habits: Identify the key activities that drive your business—whether it’s networking, marketing, or customer service—and commit to doing them consistently. Make them as routine as brushing your teeth.
2. Embrace the Grind: Understand that success comes from doing the mundane tasks well. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s necessary. Show up and give your best effort every single day.
3. Break Down Goals: Discipline is easier when you’re working toward clear, manageable objectives. Break your big goals into smaller milestones and track your progress.
4. Create Accountability: Share your goals with someone you trust. Whether it’s a business partner, mentor, or team member, accountability will keep you on track.
5. Build Mental Toughness: Take inspiration from David Goggins and push beyond your perceived limits. When you think you’re done, you’re probably only at 40% of your potential.
6. Focus on the Process: Instead of obsessing over results, focus on perfecting your daily routines and systems. The results will follow.

How EPIC Merchant Systems Supports Disciplined Entrepreneurs

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we understand the importance of discipline in business. That’s why we provide tools and services that simplify your operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best. From point-of-sale solutions to personalized customer support, we’re here to help you create efficient systems that keep your business running smoothly.

By partnering with a company that values God, family, and country, you can align your business with your principles while leveraging the resources needed to grow.

Conclusion

Motivation may get you started, but discipline will keep you moving forward. By adopting the mindset of leaders like Jocko Willink, David Goggins, and Jordan Peterson, you can develop the resilience and consistency needed to build a successful business. Remember: success is a marathon, not a sprint. The more disciplined you are, the further you’ll go.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Let EPIC Merchant Systems be your partner in growth. Together, we can build something extraordinary.