Discipline
"Discipline not desire determines your destiny"
I'm not sure who this quote is by but it's been ringing in my head lately. To be clear, by discipline I believe this means self-control not punishment. Athletes discipline themselves so they can compete & perform. It’s not easy but it’s necessary. And it may entail physical pain and effort but it's more aligned with self-discipline.
We talk about the difference between being sincere and serious. I can believe someone is truly sincere in wanting to do something but it's their putting into action, enforcing discipline on themselves, that shows me they are serious. We need more people who are serious enough to achieve their destiny.