Each day we face a choice to practice discipline.  Some days it’s easier than others to stay on track with our goals. The thing is, after a while, discipline can lead to habits. Habits are by their nature, effortless (good and bad habits both come easily).

One eating habit we get into is eating for sport. We are plenty full, but the food is there, it’s free, and there is so much of it. Think about the last time you were at a party, a BBQ, or special celebration. Did you surf the buffet line just for fun? More than once? Just because you could? Did you let yourself get seduced by the sensual pleasure of taste and smell, indulging in eating just for the sheer immediate gratification? I know I have.

For me, the price comes in the middle of the night when I sleep poorly because of an upset stomach. Over time, the price can go even higher in the form of unwanted weight gain or chronic illness such as high cholesterol or diabetes. At that point,  regret rears it’s ugly head.

As motivational coach, Jim Rohn, puts it, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

What choice will you make today?