Discipline is learning to say “no” to our primitive uncontrolled cravings and selfish destructive desires. We develop self-management when we begin to distinguish difference between what is actually needed and what is truly unnecessary.

Because of ease of modern society and our ability to get anything we want at a push of a button or swipe of a card, it is far more difficult to exert self-control today than it has been in any other time in human history. Added to this is brainwashing of advertising that tells us to crave things.

The first step to gaining self-control is to identify areas where we are out of control. Work on self-denial in areas you want to change. Deny your self a certain pleasure each day. Then begin to start small with little victories each day, like eating one less snack or watching one less television show.

A key to discipline is developing routines. People who have routines tend to be more disciplined and accomplish more. If you are one of those people who have trouble with routines, try adding just one at a time. Keep it simple. Work on things that are most important first. Evaluate yourself regularly to see how you are doing. Reward yourself for keeping at it. Once it becomes a habit, it is much easier to maintain.

Of course, routines can be done to excess, so remember to give yourself a little healthy leeway in case unexpected comes up.

Figuring out your goals is probably one of most important and one of most overlooked steps for creative professionals starting their business. Ideally you should put together a business plan. However, I have yet to meet a creative professional (including myself) who has one. (In fact, if you do have a business plan, please contact me. I'd love to chat with you about it.) Second best is getting your goals down on paper. Here are some things to include.

* Your personal mission statement. What do you want to accomplish in your life? Not just as a creative professional, artist or writer, but as a person. Knowing your mission will make organizing your time much easier.

* Your creative or artistic goals -- both long-term and short-term. What do you want to accomplish in three months? Six months? This year? Five years from now?

* Your financial goals -- both long-term and short-term. Don't forget to write down how much money you want to make.

* Your plans for your business -- both long-term and short-term. Break it down same as your creative or artistic goals -- three months, six months, one year and five years. Include a marketing plan as well. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just figure out who your target market is, where your target market is (i.e., local, regional, specific cities or national), and how you're going to reach your target market.

* Action steps for each goal, including marketing plan. Break each goal into manageable steps, number each step and add a completion date. Make a separate copy of this and put it where you can incorporate these action steps into your daily activities.

Don't rush this process. In fact, you should make it a treat for yourself. Go on a retreat. Try and get away for at least a day if at all possible (a couple of days would be better yet). Go somewhere where you won't be interrupted (and that includes cell phone). Allow yourself some quiet time to really think. If it helps, do some meditating or journaling during this time.

Don't worry about it being perfect either. This is a working document. Ideally you should review it every six months or a year and see where you are and what's changed.

Now, when I first started my business five years ago, I hadn't planned anything or written anything down.

This was a mistake.