Your alarm sounds in the early morning hours and you rouse from your slumber to turn it off.

That’s your first action of the day—to make the incessant beeping stop.

But what’s your next move?

Rolling back over to for a little extra rest?

Telling yourself, “Just ten more minutes?”

Or do you spring to action?

Do you climb out of bed and start your day?

Truth be told, there’s nothing inherently wrong with sleeping in.

No one is going to look down on you because you choose to get up at the last possible moment before having to leave for work.

So why do it?

If sleeping in isn’t wrong, why give up the extra sleep?

You give up the comfort and warmth of your bed because among other things it sets the tone for your day.

How you respond to that first test sets you on a path. A path towards strength, action, and victory. Or a path towards timidity, reaction, and weakness.

There are two paths and the one you choose determines a great deal.

Reaching the top and achieving your wildest dreams is simple.

Figure out where you want to go, what it’ll take to get there and chart a plan to make it happen.

That’s a simple formula, but it’s not an easy one.

It requires lots and lots of hard work.

Most of all it requires discipline.

The discipline to:

focus over a long period of time.
drill down into the details.
reshape and reform your every habit and routine.

It takes doing your best at everything you do; reading, working out, laundry, loading the dishwasher, making good food choices, and listening to your spouse.

It’s a simple road, but the hardest one you’ll ever walk.

That’s why most people avoid it.

Hard work and discipline aren’t what they’re looking for. Most people want a quick fix and an easy win.

But your not most people. You have a drive and commitment to excellence that bewilders the common man.

You get up and get after it all day because you’re chasing down excellence like a lion on the Serengeti.

Every decision and every moment bring you closer and closer to victory.

A victory that isn't bought, or negotiated for. But one requiring character, strength, and patience.

A victory paid for in the small daily habits of a disciplined life.