Regret Weighs Tons, Discipline Weighs Ounces
Jim Rohn often spoke about the difference between discipline and regret. One of his most powerful lessons is that discipline may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but regret becomes much heavier over time.
As working mothers, this truth can feel very real. We carry so much at once: children, work, home responsibilities, finances, meals, cleaning, relationships, decisions and personal dreams that often get pushed to the side. Some days, it can feel like everyone needs something from us, and there is very little left for our own growth.
I understand this deeply because I lived it.
Back in mid-2020, I was working full time for an employer while pregnant with my third child. At the same time, because of COVID-19, schools and childcare were closed. I was homeschooling my eldest child and caring for my younger son, all while trying to keep up with the responsibilities of home, marriage, finances, cooking, cleaning and everything else that comes with family life.
I was overwhelmed.
Yet in the middle of that season, I also had a strong desire to start my own online business. I wanted to learn. I wanted to grow. I wanted to create something of my own, even though I did not have much experience. So I began researching, listening to webinars and watching YouTube videos whenever I could.
One particular moment stands out clearly. I was watching a YouTube video by Tatiana James while making dinner. Life was busy, messy and far from perfect, but in that moment, I made a decision. I said to myself, “I am committed to starting my own e-commerce store.”
Once I made that choice, something shifted. I stopped only thinking and researching, and I began taking action. Eventually, I created my first Amazon FBA store. It was exciting, challenging and full of lessons.
Did everything go perfectly? No. My first business did not break even. There were difficulties, mistakes and many things I had to learn along the way. But even though the outcome was not exactly what I hoped for financially, I do not regret the choice I made.
That decision taught me more than I knew before. It gave me experience, confidence and understanding that I would not have gained by waiting for the “perfect” time. It showed me that sometimes discipline is not about having everything under control. Sometimes discipline is simply making a decision, committing to it and taking the next step despite the responsibilities around you.
Since then, one question has helped me when making big decisions:
“Will I regret this choice?”
If the answer is yes, I pause and reconsider. If the answer is no, and I know the decision will help me grow, learn or move closer to the life I want to build, then I am more willing to move forward.
For working mothers, discipline does not have to mean perfection. It can mean choosing one small action today that your future self will thank you for. It can mean planning your day, protecting your time, finishing one important task, or finally beginning something that has been sitting in your heart for years.
Regret weighs tons because it carries the pain of what we wish we had done. Discipline weighs ounces because small choices, made consistently, can slowly create freedom, confidence and peace.
You do not need to do everything at once. You just need to begin.
Recommended Books on Discipline and Personal Growth
If this message speaks to you, these books may help you build stronger discipline, better habits and a more intentional life:
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
A powerful book for understanding personal responsibility, mindset, daily habits and the importance of becoming the kind of person who attracts a better life.
No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy
A practical book about taking ownership of your choices, overcoming excuses and developing discipline in your personal life, work, goals and finances.
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
A helpful book for anyone who feels overwhelmed by too much to do. It teaches you how to focus on your most important task first instead of spending the day reacting to everything else.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
A simple and practical guide to building better habits through small daily improvements. This is especially helpful for working mothers who want progress without pressure.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A classic personal development book about priorities, responsibility, character, time management and living with purpose.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
A useful book for understanding how habits work and how small repeated behaviours shape our lives over time.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
A meaningful read about perseverance, long-term effort and staying committed even when results take time.
These books remind us that discipline is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about building the inner strength, habits and systems that help us keep moving forward, even in busy or difficult seasons.
Affiliate Disclosure
This blog post may contain affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, Study Leaf may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books and resources that I believe may be helpful for personal growth, discipline, planning and intentional living.
Discipline today. Freedom tomorrow.