Do You Have a List of Non-Negotiables?
Recently, my friend and coach, Dan Meub, challenged me to identify my list of top ten, non-negotiable disciplines. He said, “View this list as the ten disciplines that if practiced faithfully would make the biggest impact on the quality of your life this year.”
So, after a little thought, I came up with this list:
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My Top Ten Non-Negotiable Disciplines
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No.
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Discipline | Description | Frequency |
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1
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Bible Reading | Read the Bible, using a plan that covers the whole Bible in a year. | Daily, first thing when I get up |
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2
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Prayer | Pray for my life, my family, my church, my work, etc. | Daily, on my commute into the office or, on the weekends, immediately after reading the Bible |
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3
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Aerobic Exercise | Run 4–5 miles, four days a week. | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. |
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4
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Strength Training | Train at the YMCA, twice a week for an hour with a trainer. | Tuesday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. |
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5
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Eating Five Meals | Eat the traditional three meals a day with lean protein and slow-burning carbs. Eat two snacks a day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon to keep my metabolism up. | Daily |
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6
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Taking Vitamins | Take a good liquid multivitamin, mineral, and antioxidant. | Daily, 1 oz. after breakfast |
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7
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General Reading | Listen to books on my iPod while I am running. | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. |
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8
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Life Plan Review | Review my written life plan (a seven-page document) | Weekly, on Sunday evening with my weekly review |
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9
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Solo Retreats | Get off-site for 36 hours a quarter to review my business vision, business plan, master task list, and time block. | Quarterly, scheduled off-site |
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10
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Financial Review | Review my personal budget, statements, and investment portfolio with Gail. | Monthly, scheduled on a Saturday morning |
In: 
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at 
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, 
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his 
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the 
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for 
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of 
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of 
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of 
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing 
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for 
