You may see many extreme displays of self-discipline, but in fact they are all just the result of a persistent pattern. This often means there is a very strong driving force behind it. That driving force could be desire, ambition, responsibility, fear, or some kind of unwavering belief. Because ordinary people find it difficult to resist human nature for the long term, anyone who can sustain self-discipline for ten or twenty years must be supported by a force stronger than mere instant pleasure.