The Self-Discipline Bonus

My Latest Project Requiring Self-Discipline

What project, chore, exercise program, or relationship requires tremendous amounts of self-discipline?

I have several key projects that fit the description. These are not physically demanding. They entail self-promotion, focus, perseverance, relationship building, and patience. I have to put my “best face” on. I could fail. I could get little return for the investment. I have to learn new ways of thinking, new programs, and new vocabularies.

For instance, I just finished a two and a half month process of learning how to work a program called “Billings.” I needed an invoice generating program and a way to keep track of all the hours, fee collection, and income from my counseling for Appalachian Family Outreach. My simple spreadsheet didn’t work anymore. It got more cumbersome with annoying glitches when I generated reports. I tried free programs, but I jettisoned each of those programs within a few hours of trying to learn how to work them.

Two months ago, a week before Christmas, I bought Billings. A 20% student discount brought the cost to an affordable $30. I could have spent hundreds of dollars on other programs which I had tried successfully as demos. Once such program was “ProfitTrain.” I really liked it. I used it for two months as a demo. I was so disappointed to find that the price had almost doubled, but the owner gave no discounts. Quicken didn’t work, nor was high-powered Quickbooks worth the price.

I’ve calculated that I’ve spent nearly thirty hours learning how to use Billings. The first sixteen of these hours didn’t produce a single invoice. I read a review that told me to expect a long learning curve, but I would love it eventually. When I started to integrate client lists, fees, and billable hours, I could see how simple and elegant it was. Customer support kept me going, too. I emailed the support team and got three answers back within 24 hours.

I now use Billings as effortlessly as I use Microsoft Word or Google Chrome. Billings integrates with my iPhone, too, so I don’t need my laptop to enter mileage, fees, or new projects.

Persevering through hardships because we know the effort

A) is profitable to our lives

B) refines and strengthens our character, relationship with God, or others or

C) makes someone else stronger

is simply, “self-discipline.” It took focus and determination to learn the new program. I knew I needed to do it even though it meant a ton of confusion and effort. Now, on the other side of this project, I am thankful and relieved it is over. The invoices and reports look fantastic. I can trust their accuracy, too!

When Paul says to Timothy, God didn’t give us a Spirit of timidity but one of love, power, and self-discipline, (2 Tim. 1:7), I know Paul knew about the rewards of self-discipline, a sense of completion, and a relief. Timothy COULD “endure the suffering” and stay focused on his ministry of preaching, teaching, and living the gospel BECAUSE the personal profit, the strengthening, and the God-stuff fed his self-discipline.