“Practice yourself, for heaven’s sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater.”
- Epictetus, Discourses
Theme of the Week: Discipline Begins Small
Brother,
Discipline is often associated with major sacrifices, demanding routines, or extraordinary acts of commitment. Epictetus reminds us that it usually begins somewhere much smaller. We build discipline by repeatedly doing the little things that move us forward, even when their immediate value is difficult to see.
I can draw on many lessons from my athletic career and cancer journey that contributed to my development. However, one of the clearest examples of discipline in my life started with an extra five or ten minutes after soccer training.
When I was developing as a young goalkeeper in Canada, shot-stopping was the primary focus. As I progressed through the sport, the position continued to evolve. Goalkeepers were increasingly expected to be comfortable receiving and distributing the ball with both feet.
My right foot was strong, but I was nowhere near as comfortable with my left. I recognized this weakness early in my university career. I also understood that no one else was going to take responsibility for improving it. If I wanted to become a more complete goalkeeper, the work was mine to do.
During each training session, I intentionally took more repetitions with my left foot. I would also stay behind for an extra five or ten minutes to practise my distribution. The work was simple and rarely exciting, but I continued doing it.
When I moved overseas to play professionally in Northern Ireland, those repetitions became even more valuable. The pace was faster, the game was more direct, and I had less time to make decisions. I continued working on my left foot at every opportunity, never knowing exactly when I would need to rely on it.
Then came my professional debut.
I received a pass back while an opposing attacker quickly closed me down. I shifted the ball from my right foot to my left and, without hesitation, drove it nearly 50 yards into the feet of an attacking teammate.
When I rewatched the game film, I had an important realization: that pass had been years in the making. All those extra repetitions had prepared me to execute under pressure in a large stadium, under the lights, during one of the biggest opportunities of my career.
There is no magic pill for self-improvement. Whether your goal is personal, financial, mental, or physical, meaningful growth requires repeated action. Discipline is built by keeping small commitments to yourself before you know when they will pay off.
Practice yourself in the little things. One day, a greater moment may reveal everything they have quietly built.
Stay strong, even when you are not. It’s okay, you are not alone.
With love always,
Michael Argyrides
