Commitment is the foundation of great accomplishment.
We all intuitively understand that, to achieve greatness, we must deeply invest in ourselves and take the action of committing to things that are important to us.
In this way our commitment shapes our lives.
I think it’s important to first define what we mean by commitment. Is it the same thing as an obligation? A promise?
Dictionary.com defines commitment as a pledge, promise or an obligation.
I personally love how John Asaraf defines it: “When you are interested in something, you do what’s convenient. When you are committed, you do whatever it takes.”
I define a commitment as an agreement between you and someone else – or with yourself – to do, or be, or have something.
Commitment is also tied to integrity, which I define as doing what you said you would do, when you said you will do it and how you said you would do it.
What we often overlook is the way in which all of our commitments, the grand ones as well as the smaller ones, shape our lives.
Consider a small commitment, like getting out of bed in the morning. Most times this is a commitment that we do pretty automatically – we don’t think much about it. We just do it because we know that in order to accomplish anything that day, you’ve got to at least start by getting out of bed. (Some days this commitment can feel HUGE when you don’t really feel like getting out of bed!)
On the other hand, there are some big commitments in our lives that require a great deal of thought and reflection. This might be a job, a marriage, or supporting a loved one who is going through a cancer experience or a divorce.
Sometimes we slide into a commitment unconsciously (without really thinking about it). Maybe because it was the easiest thing to do, or it may have seemed like it was the only choice we had at the time.
The point is that, to one degree or another, how we make and keep our commitments – even the ones we make unconsciously – impacts our lives.
We also have different levels of commitment. We can be highly committed to some things, a low level of commitment to others and a mid-level commitment to still others.
We never really know HOW committed we are to something until we see to what degree we are – or are not – in action around it.
Thankfully, commitments/agreements can be changed or re-negotiated.
Living in integrity means communicating as soon as you realize you are (or will be) unable to meet a commitment, then re-negotiating your agreement. For example, if you are running late for an appointment, call ahead and let them know you are running late – and by how much. Ask if it’s still ok for them to see you at your new arrival time. If not, apologize and reschedule.
How can we simplify this process and become better at keeping our commitments?
The key is to become more conscious about the commitments you are making.
We must stop and really think about what we are committing to BEFORE we make them. Take time to explore what is truly meaningful to you – and what is not.
When you say yes – and you really want to say no – you are out of integrity. You are setting yourself up for a low level of commitment to what you agreed to.
When we approach the agreements we make more consciously, we can ask ourselves if there is a way we can increase commitment within ourselves to the things that matter most, the ones that will shape our lives in positive ways.
By the same token, we can learn to let go of commitments that are holding us back or are hurting us. I call these choice points. The point at which you get to make a choice.
Commitment isn’t just a word. Commitment is a process.
As you grow and evolve, you will need to look at the things and people you are committed to and see if they are still aligned with where you are at now and where you are headed.
In order to take on new commitments, you may need to create space by letting go of other current commitments. Ones that are no longer aligned with where you are headed or what you want to be experiencing. This can be really challenging – to let go of other meaningful commitments. It requires you to prioritize your commitments.
Having a way to determine our degree of commitment can help us make the best decision when we are at our choice point. Since commitment shapes our lives, it makes sense to use intention when it comes to our commitment level.
There are four factors in particular that, when considered together, can help you decide what you want to be committed to – your job, your relationships, your goals, taking better care of yourself – whatever it is that you want to manifest in your life.
The four factors to consider when making a decision to enter into a commitment or to end one:
Factor #1: Reward
What is the benefit of making this commitment?
Will it add value to your life or someone else’s? Is that meaningful to you?
Factor #2: Challenge
What challenge(s) will I face?
What sacrifice or changes will you need to make to keep this commitment? What (if any) challenges do you foresee to keeping your commitment?
Factor #3: Investment
What do I have to be willing to invest (time, energy, money) in making this commitment?
The more you invest in something – your time, your talent, your creativity, your love, your heart, your energy – the greater the level of commitment required.
Factor #4: Choice
What is driving my desire? Am I coming from love or fear? Are there other options I have not considered?
Here’s the reality – commitments are going to shape your life in significant ways, regardless of whether you choose them consciously or slide into them.
Make commitments that are right for you by taking the time to use this simple process:
Write down your answers to these four questions…
- What benefits or rewards does making this commitment give you? (growth, connection, support, love, peace of mind, health, money, success, etc.)
- What will you actually need to invest to keep this commitment? (time, money, etc.)
- What will you have to say NO to, in order to say YES to this commitment?
- What’s driving your desire to commit? Love or Fear? What other options are available?
Your answers will help you gain insight into how willing you really are to commit, then you can consciously decide your course of action and make a deliberate commitment and plan based on your values and desires.
What big commitments do you have in your life right now? What commitments are holding you back or hurting you? What are you missing out on by not committing? What choice points are you at right now? Are you being conscious about your commitments or did you just “slide” into them? What commitments do you need to make a plan to achieve?
Are you ready to be make a commitment to yourself so you can become all you were meant to be?
Are you ready to take your life to the next level? Do you know there is more for you – and are you ready to be committed enough to make it happen?
If so, my 2-day Align & Amplify LIVE retreat September 28 & 29 may be right for you.
This 2-day event is a rare event to work directly with me as well as benefit from a small group setting. Come, be supported in life changing ways. Take a quantum leap of faith, surround yourself with people who will support you. Align with your purpose and amplify your power, presence and prosperity!
Click here to learn more…