Self-discipline and extreme rigor: The first 2 keys to success!
Self-discipline and rigor. As an extremely free man, epicurean and lover of life, these two words scared me extremely. They seemed in total opposition to my personality, to my way of life, to what I thought was my strength: my freedom.
And yet, today, I realize that they are not incompatible. On the contrary, they have become the pillars that help me live fully this life that I love so much, to savor every moment while moving forward with a clear direction and an efficiency that I would never have imagined. In recent years, I have had the immense privilege of working alongside exceptional entrepreneurs. These men, who started from nothing, now run companies or have assets that generate hundreds of millions of euros. Spending time with them, listening to their stories, understanding their trials... it is a great source of learning, a true life lesson.
But above all, it is a revelation. Success is neither a question of luck, nor of skill, nor of innate talent. No, it is based on the ability to impose on oneself a rigor that few people can absorb, implement and understand.
What I realized was that they all had two essential things in common :
They impose on themselves relentless self-discipline and extreme rigor.
They expect the same level of demand in return from their colleagues, their partners, and even those around them.
They do not tolerate any compromise on this rigor, because they know that it is the basis of their success. This discipline, which they apply first to themselves, becomes a standard that they demand from others. And it is this requirement, this ability to surround themselves with people who are just as committed, that allows them to achieve their goals and build something great.
The Price of Success: Misunderstood Sacrifices
I remember an entrepreneur who told me: “Romain, if I had to go back 25 years and relive all the trials I went through to get here, I wouldn’t do it again. I would trade my millions for a quieter life. One of the hardest moments? When I couldn’t pay myself after paying my employees and had to ask my mother for money. She would say to me: ‘Why don’t you have a stable job like your sister, who never asks me for anything?’”
He confessed to me that it was one of the most difficult moments of his life. Every month, he saw his mother worried about him, unhappy, and helpless in the face of his situation. He felt this look that translated a lack of confidence in him. Even his own mother did not believe in his dream.
Yet he held on to his idea. He persevered, despite the doubts, despite the loneliness, despite the sacrifices.
Today, he can say he was right, but his journey has been marked by constant questioning and suffering that few could bear. The revelation: Transforming my strengths into levers, not weaknesses
These encounters, combined with deep introspection, led me to an essential realization. How could I have failed and lost everything despite my experience, energy, and creativity? The answer was in front of me: my greatest strengths were also my greatest weaknesses.
My overflowing imagination and boundless enthusiasm pushed me to scatter myself, to run in all directions without ever channeling my potential. I understood that it was time to act differently. I chose radical solutions: to integrate self-discipline and extreme rigor into every aspect of my life.
It was no longer an option, but a necessity to transform my strengths into real levers for success.
What I changed to cultivate self-discipline and extreme rigor
Isolate myself from all external solicitations: I have always lived as a nomad, a totally free adventurer, assuming this way of life. But today, I have learned to create a bubble around me. My living space and my workspace have become sanctuaries, protected from unnecessary distractions and interruptions.
Step back, be alone: In the past, I was surrounded by many people. Many fed off my energy and good vibes, but it drained me. Today, I have chosen solitude as an ally. I keep my energy to myself. These moments of silence and reflection allow me to find a clarity that I could not achieve otherwise.
Respect and regain control of my body: I lost 18 kg in 12 months, going from 98 to 80 kg . Today, my body is a reflection of my commitment. I was an inveterate epicurean, a fan of excess, fat, sugar. But all that is over because disciplining my body helps to discipline my mind and I have completely transformed my lifestyle:
- No more fat or sugar.
- Balanced and thoughtful meals.
Sport: a body as powerful as my head: As a former top athlete, I had stopped everything, completely neglecting my body. But I said stop. I resumed sport every day for two essential reasons:
- Strengthen my self-discipline.
- To shape a powerful body, capable of carrying me to the end of my challenges.
The price of dreams: getting out of your comfort zone
Achieving your dreams means accepting the other side of the coin. It is not a road paved with ease or strokes of luck. It is a path strewn with obstacles, difficult moments, and challenges. It is getting out of your comfort zone, facing the unknown, and above all, never giving up.
I know I will succeed.
Why? Because I am finally putting into practice everything I have learned:
Of life , with its trials that have shaped me.
From my experiences , good or bad, which showed me the way.
People who inspire me , these exceptional entrepreneurs who taught me discipline and rigor.
Today, I feel like it's the right time. I have no doubt. I'm ready. Ready to step out of my comfort zone again and again, to face the sacrifices that success demands, and to give it my all.
Because, ultimately, I am the actor of my own life and I will never be the spectator of the lives of others.
None of this is easy. But I know that success is built in the shadows, away from the spotlight, with repeated effort, one step at a time. It is in those moments of doubt and hard work that the greatest victories are born.
And I am convinced of one thing: dreams only come true when you are ready to fight for them.
So, yes, I will succeed. Not because it is easy. But because I am committed to giving it my all.
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