Discipline & Doodles

As a very honest person, I must start off with an apology.

I misrepresented what this blog is about. This is not a dog blog and today’s entry isn’t about the loveably weird poodle mixes– the doodle.

But since my family does have a Labradoodle named Tony, I’ll take this moment to keep you hooked in with a photo of the little guy.

Isn’t he adorable? If you keep reading, I promise there’s another Tony photo waiting for you at the end.

Today’s focus is on different kind of doodle and how it relates to Discipline, one of Gallup’s 34 CliftonStrengths talents.

According to Gallup:

People exceptionally talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.

If you have Discipline talents, you likely seek to create predictability and enjoy building processes that bring calm to what would otherwise be chaos.

You aren’t just organized. You thrive when you can bring clarity and consistency to your world. Life can be messy, and the controls you develop help you plan effectively, both in the short and long term.

The Other Kind of Doodle

As a college professor, I teach a class that helps new college students transition to the academic rigor of their majors. Every semester, I see Discipline in action when we discuss study habits, note-taking, and test-taking strategies.

I always remind my students of something backed by research: success isn’t built on last-minute cramming or relying on talent alone. It’s built on daily habits and small, consistent choices.

The students who commit to scheduling study time, breaking assignments into manageable chunks, and reviewing material regularly are the ones who discover how to create good academic habits.

Of course, for some, Discipline is a natural talent that comes more easily. Did you ever get jealous of a classmate because they just had the natural gift to color code notes?

While we all have Discipline somewhere in our CliftonStrengths 34, the key is creating a routine and process that works best for you, no matter where it ranks.

If it’s a top talent – invest in your routines. Share them, refine them and use technology if it helps you evolve them. If it’s not near the top – perhaps you need to find ways to use your other talents to help make the routines that you need more manageable.

Speaking of routines, every year I share a CBS Sunday Morning segment with my students about the surprising benefits of… doodling!

I told you we’d get to doodles!

It turns out that doodling during a lecture or meeting can actually narrow your attention, helping you stay more engaged and absorb information better. After showing this video, I give my students permission: if doodling helps them focus, they are welcome to draw while I lecture.

It’s proof that sometimes a little bit of freedom, inside a structured environment, can actually make you more productive.

Show this story to your boss, your team, your coworkers. Doodling in meetings should be encouraged!

That’s why I’m a big believer in balancing the tried-and-true processes of organization (project management software, spreadsheets, calendar appointments) with approaches that fit your individual style. Doodling in a meeting? Putting your notes to song? Why not? We’re all uniquely talented, and the process should fit the person.

Doodle Your Way to Discipline

Whether you’re preparing for an exam, starting a new project, or filling a sketchbook with ideas, remember: creativity flourishes when it’s supported by consistent, intentional effort.

A little structure– a study plan, a daily doodle, an organization app — can turn bursts of inspiration into lasting achievement.

And as promised, here’s another picture of Tony — who, unlike doodles in a notebook, needs plenty of naps to recharge.

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