Djokovic is regarded as one of the best tennis players ever, but what caught my attention in a recent article was not the number of successes he has had, but the story about him and one square of chocolate.

In 2012 after he beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open, a match lasting an epic 5 hrs 53 minutes, he wanted one thing – to taste chocolate, which he had not done since the summer of 2010. And when he was given a bar of chocolate, he ate just one small square, that was all he would allow himself. Such is the greatness of his discipline.

We often admire the outstanding success of some people and may secretly wonder why we cannot achieve such greatness. If we reflect upon it, we will realise that the answer may well lie in a sample fact – discipline is easy to understand but tough to implement.

The goal in us has to be so large and inspiring that it generates inner drive and momentum. No matter how beautiful a car is, it is the power of the engine that propels it forward. An inspiring goal drives the engine of discipline and commitment.

The willingness and ability to subordinate distractions and temptations in favour of what we are trying to achieve is key. Sacrificing short-term pleasure to create long-term value, and recognising that three steps forward – one step backward can often tire us out, fuels our willpower and sheer determination to be disciplined.

High achievement is not a short-term sprint, it often takes patience, stamina, and faith. Our disciple gets reinforced when we find the inner strength to overcome the tricks of the mind that so often pulls us away from our goal.

In people like Djokovic, we see the enormity of their achievement, which no doubt needs the highest level of respect and admiration. And when we take a step back we will realize a simple truth of life that we can make our own – behind the greatness of his trophies, lies the greatness of his discipline.