About Commitment

When people hear the word "commitment," they often think about relationships. Commitment is indeed an important part of lasting relationships, but it also is found in countless aspects of life.

The definition of commitment is, "The trait of sincere and loyal focus of purpose." When you're committing yourself, you are deciding to focus on a specific promise or plan of action. You can be committed to almost anything-committed to gaining wealth, to losing weight, to being a good person. However, many people are afraid of commitment. Why?

One, it requires you to make a decision. Making decisions can be frightening. What if I'm wrong? What if it's too hard? Two, it requires you to be accountable. What if I fail? What if I disappoint people or embarrass myself?

Let's take a look at an example: being healthy. This might include eating well, exercising, and relieving stress. Most people would like to make this commitment, I imagine, but many don't follow through. Why not?

It's because they're not truly committed. Being truly committed means you're willing to do what it takes, even though it's difficult, even though you may fail occasionally, and even though you may be sacrificing something in the present for a goal far off in the future. And that's hard. But successful people are committed, even though it's hard. They're willing to do what it takes. Are you?

Here are some steps you can take to learn how to commit.

One, make sure your commitment is congruent to what's really important in your life. Ask yourself why you are committing yourself to this goal. If you are committing yourself to being healthy, why? Is it because you want to look good at a high school reunion, or is it because you want to live a happy and long, healthy life for your family? Make sure you fully understand your motivation, and that it's more than a passing whim.

Two, start small. When you start with smaller goals, you are more apt to find success early on, and with success comes more confidence and more skills to manage obstacles than may arise. Instead of a commitment to "be healthy," which is fairly large in scope, try committing to drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, or exercising three days a week.

Three, enlist the help of people close to you. This part can be a little scary to some people. Once you let people in on your plan, you make yourself vulnerable to comments and judgment, and you have an audience when you slip up. However, the support is critical, and the accountability is crucial to your success. You're more apt to stick to your exercise schedule when you're not the only one who knows you're on an exercise schedule. Choose to share your commitment with those who are the most supportive and positive-the ones who will encourage you and praise you when you find successes, and the ones who will be there for you when you fall.

And finally, if you fall off the horse, get back on-immediately! Assuming you are human, it is likely you are not perfect. You might have a day of ice cream and French fries. Fess up, and eat right the next day, and the day after that. Don't dwell on the mistake, dwell on what you do to correct it. Remember that successful people fail, just like everyone else. What makes them successful is their ability to get back on track and stay focused on their commitment. You do not fail when you fall off the horse-you are a failure only if you do not get back on.

Start thinking about the commitments you want to make in your life, and remember: choose things that are truly important to you. If you don't have the right motive, you're more likely to not follow through. Start small. Choose something achievable so you can build your confidence. Let the people you care about know about your commitment so that you can be accountable to more than just yourself. And when you slip up, don't quit. Refocus on your commitment and get moving!