We see successful people and think, "that could be me!" The issue is that we often times find ourselves pondering how to become successful. There's no foolproof method to success, but there is a general consensus on the foundation of it and what it takes to lay that foundation. Each week I will talk about an element that I've used to build my foundation, and I hope it inspires you to pursue your own greatness!

When I decided I wanted to start my company, the Cultural Nook, I realized that I had a lot of work and growing to do before I could ever part my lips and call myself a business owner. A quintessential key to entrepreneurship (and most other careers) is self-discipline. So, the first key to success: do something you absolutely hate!

I'm sure you've read that before, but it's so true. What's my hated practice? Working out. I'm not talking about any time either. I mean bright and early, six in the morning, on the dot. I did this because I don't just despise working out because it's bad, I just hate being uncomfortable; it's outside of my comfort zone. There is no such disease as a comfort zone in success. You always have to be prepared to adjust. Here's why I think working out is the best approach to stepping outside your box!

The first morning that I woke up at six o'clock, I thought I'd lost my mind. I would lose this battle every morning because my body was in control of me instead of the other way around. I would blow my own head up about what I could gain by getting fit the night before, and I'd set the alarm, have all my workout equipment (headphones, waters, etc.) packed and ready to go, just to hear that loud beep in the morning and hit the snooze button for "five more minutes" that ended up being like three more hours. On this very morning, though, as I laid my head back on my pillow for that snooze nap, I finally just told myself, "No! Get up!" Before I knew it, I was up making a protein shake, dragging but making progress with each step. I could have taken the car but instead, I walked to the gym (note: my gym was on campus, please don't walk to your gym if it's across the highway). I spent about a [productive] 30-40 minutes in the gym, and left feeling like crap physically, but a champ mentally.

The next morning would be easier than the one before, and by day four I was going twice a day! Now, what exactly do my gains have to do with your success? Here's what: when you get excited about doing uncomfortable things, and you turn them into a habit, you'll be unstoppable. I have the terrible habit of procrastination, but that began to change. Am I perfect? Did I go from typical college student to Bill Gates in under a week? I wish. I still have my moments, but they're nowhere near what they were before I started working out. Beyond that, it's a major confidence boost to see self-improvement!

No gym membership or one within a reasonable distance? Say hello to your arms and legs. There's no excuse. If exercising isn't your Achilles heel, then choose whatever best fits the description. Regardless, improve a personal habit that will help you improve a professional one, and scale the pyramid of improvement! To be successful, you have to be disciplined, and that's 50 percent of the battle fought.