The power of self-discipline?

I picked up a book that was recently sent to Glenn entitled No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline because it looked like it might have something interesting to say. The book basically takes the premise that you don't need wealth, luck or contacts to succeed--you need self-discipline. From the amazon page, the description states that people don't succeed because "they take the path of least resistance (in other words, they’re lazy) and/or they want immediate gratification: they don’t consider the long-term consequences of the actions they take today." I used to believe this, I no longer do.

I spent my life working hard, taking personal responsibility and thinking about long term consequences. I watch in mild disgust while those who thought only about today and want immediate gratification are bailed out, while those who used self-discipline to turn themselves into a success are made to pay the price for those who aren't. Now, I call myself a sucker--not a disciple of self-discipline.

What is the point of self-discipline? Is the intrinsic reward it might bring enough? Any thoughts?