9. Commitment Gives Power and Purpose
Think of at least one major accomplishment in your life that has made
you proud of yourself. Do you have something in mind? Now, think of
the initial commitment you made when you started. On a scale of 1-10,
how committed were you?
During my career, I have worked alongside thousands of people ranging
from Little League ball players to CEOs of billion-dollar companies. One
of the things I have learned is that there is a vast difference between
Improving Your Life One Thing at a Time. 27.
simply desiring something and being committed to achieving something.
When you just desire something, you do it only when circumstances
permit. When you commit, you accept no excuses, only results.
A commitment is a binding pledge that obligates you to assume a position
or carry out a course of action. Making a commitment to what you do—
whether in your personal life or your professional life—is one of the most
fundamental principles of success.
Commitments are powerful because they influence how you think, how
you sound, and how you act. Unlike a half-hearted hope or best shot,
making a commitment means that you try harder, look for solutions when
faced with obstacles, don’t look back, and never consider quitting as an
option.
Whether it’s a relationship or marriage, job or career venture, fitness or
health, or a personal improvement goal, the temptation to give up will
arise. You must anticipate it and make yourself a promise that the feeling
of wanting to quit will not overpower your commitment. Unfortunately
most people quit when they feel like quitting, which is why they seldom
succeed at anything.
One of the keys to fulfilling your commitments is not to undertake more
tasks than your available resources justify. The number of opportunities
and decisions we’re faced with on a daily basis increases all the time.
Given the limits of your time and attention, you’ll need to be selective
about to whom and to what you commit. It’s simply not feasible to do
everything you would like. You must decide what is truly important to
you and commit only to those things.
LTM Challenge
Make the decision today that you will never again start a project
to which you are not fully committed. Do your research. Know
what you are getting into in advance. Consider the obstacles you
will face. Then, with your eyes wide open, set your goal, make
your commitment, put together your plan, and don’t allow excuses
to enter your mind.
Create a Commitment Statement for each of your goals. Take a
weight-loss goal as an example. ―I commit to do whatever it takes
to lose 10 pounds in 3 months. No matter what obstacles arise
and even when I feel like quitting, I will exercise and eat healthy
so I can reach my goal.” Write your Commitment Statement on
an index card and read it every day.
The only way you will enjoy a long-term relationship with someone
is if you are committed to that relationship.
The only way you will enjoy a successful career
is if you are committed to it.
The only way you will enjoy life’s journey
is if you are committed to making the best of it
and living life to its fullest.
