Discipline is required to achieve success in business and in life. Too often the word has a pejorative connotation, but its Latin origin means instruction, knowledge and learning. Correspondingly, in the language of emotional intelligence, the concept involves exercising self-regulation in order to improve. Discipline means consistently acting in alignment with your values, long-term goals and self-imposed performance standards, despite expedience or taking the easy path. Discipline means mental independence, an ability to remain steadfast in the face of herd instinct and external pressures – having the inner will to do what it takes to create a great outcome, no matter how difficult.