3 Steps to Increase Your Commitment

 Recently, I began studying the elements of success; the qualities that combined lead to the attainment of goals, dreams, desires. As I have embarked on that journey, I have been challenged, among many things, to consider my commitments. What am I committed to and am I authentically committed to what is truly important? How do I increase my commitment? How do I overcome the distractions, the doubts and insecurities that stand in the way? In considering these questions, I have uncovered 3 ways to grow commitment and I share those with you today.

 

But first, let me ask, what are you committed to?
 
Weight loss, fitness, healing, improving your lifestyle? Answer that question just ‘off the cuff” as they say.
 
The fact is that many, maybe most of us, struggle with authentic commitment to our goals. We move along through life with this mental list of dreams, passions, desires and goals yet wonder when and how we will ever achieve them while being distracted, lethargic, wish washy, wavering and uncertain….even discouraged and unmotivated by life and its circumstances. But authentic commitment is a pledge, a sense of obligation, determination and dedication to something you desire that endures and overcomes any challenge, obstacle or distraction.
 
So I ask again, what are you committed to? Or are you just thinking that you are committed? Is your commitment applied to your authentic goals or some other peripheral matter? Are you spending your resources to lose the weight or are you spending them at Starbucks? Let’s find out, shall we?
 
Step #1: Measure IT
 
Gather up your checkbook register, your day planner and calendar. Analyze them to see where you are spending your time and money; the two resources you value most. Determine what and how much you are spending these resources on and you’ll unveil where your commitments lie.
 
As I have done this exercise, I have discovered that the depth and breadth of my authentic commitments are to wellness for me, my family and those whom I encounter; nutrition and fitness specifically. Also, creating an environment of wellness though my home and garden is something I am decidedly committed to accomplishing. Time and activities with my husband and immediate family also rose to the top. So, overall, my primary and most authentic commitment is to wellness for me, my family and others.
 
It wasn’t so long ago that I suspect fashion, prestige and position would have been where my commitments lay so I will admit to having grown. Yet, I know that more growth is needed.
 
What do these simple tools reveal to you?
 
Step #2: Know What is Worth Dying For
 
We all have something in our lives we cannot stop doing no matter what the circumstances or consequences. For me, that is nutrition and fitness. I simply MUST eat right and workout. These elements must be present in my life each and every day. They are not an option, a luxury I can give up as I would a daily dose of Starbucks. They are worth dying for!
 
What about you?
 
Step #3: Make it Public
 
I just did. I just now declared my commitments to you. Now it is your turn.
 
When we realize what our commitments are, making them public gives them power through accountability. Now that you know my commitments, you’ll look at me to see if I am being true and authentic. In my Facebook posts, my Tweets, my blogs, my emails you’ll hold me accountable whether directly or silently. Your presence in my life and the awareness of my commitments will empower me to stay true.
 
Make your declaration today!
 
What do you want? Do you really want it? I mean REALLY want it? Are you committed to it or are you distracted? What has this simple exercise revealed?
 
Please share it with us in the comments section below! Together we will be committed to authentic attainment of our goals!

 

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  • Ashworthsusan6

    Weight loss, this is my main focus, it effects my self confidence and self esteem, once I have that back, everything else will follow

    • Carl Mason-Liebenberg

      Susan…you are beginning to take the right steps. Keep stepping, don’t lose focus and DO NOT give up!!! Your best is yet to come and your goals WILL be met through commitment! I’m here for you all the way!
      Carl

  • Anonymous

    For me Step #1: Measure it is critical, but I have also learned over time that just as critical is to make the measurement simple. I have a tendency to get too fancy with the measurement which leads to be dropping the measuring. That of course leads to dropping the commitment.

    As an example I have tried a hundred ways to measure my finances. Now I use a Google Spreadsheet with one sheet per bank account. I enter every transaction at the end of the month and flag each as: variable – has to be paid but varies, e.g. groceries, fixed – has to be paid and is fixed, e.g. car payments, and discretionary – could have done without it, e.g. dinner out.

    Another simplification is I track from the first to the last day of the month which eliminates the issue of when payments come off accounts and the date range for statements.

    I could import the data but I find capturing it by hand makes me review every expense.
    ;-)

  • http://yourfunfamily.com Melissa

    I love Step 3! So often people try to lose weight and do not tell anyone for fear of failure but accountability can really help you stick to any life change.

  • The LEARNED Preneur

    Wowy!  This is exactly where I am at this present time with my team… How did YOU know, Carl?  (-_-)  Thank you so much for confirming stuff for me. x0x
    Norma Doiron @ The LEARNED Preneur

  • http://twitter.com/anitafiander Anita Fiander

    Each quarter I have a main focus while blending all mind, body, spirit a nd heart focuses yearly :) Last November I eliminated cigarettes from my diet after indulging for 26 years. I have gained 35 pounds…I am not happy about this but knew it was a possibility. I gave myself until this November to have to worry about it and create a new ritual. I have arranged  a nice little gym in my basement and I am starting to work out..small steps…this is all new to me. I will get there..Focus..Love that!!

  • http://www.positivecalm.com Solvita

    Great post as always Carl! I’m committed to my spiritual development no matter what, because other things then sort themselves out automatically ;) !

  • http://www.wow101.com Alexandra McAllister

    Great post Carl. I am committed to keeping my body and mind in the best shape ever.  Of course, I am accountable…have a buddy system and when ever I feel I need that extra little boost, my buddy is there. 

  • http://www.JenniferHerndon.com Jennifer

    You are so right here Carl.  It’s easy to make goals, but many of them are really just dreams – not things you’re committed to making happen.  After many years and much frustration, I finally got clear on what I am COMMITTED to making happen.  Right now the big one for me is getting out of my offline business and generating all of my income from my online business.  Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make it public here.  I don’t talk about it many places because people are too negative about the whole making money online thing, and I don’t need that energy!

  • Mary K Evans22

    Great article, Carl! So my time and $ reflect my commitment to family and professional growth, as well as my weight loss/wellness journey. This is consistent with my commitments :-) Just finishing up a planning retreat for 2012 and my commitment is to launch a new website and rebrand in to a more specific niche about which I am most passionate and have the most personal experience. I want to focus in and make a firm commitment vs. allowing my mindset (fear, doubt, unworthiness) to hold me back. Watch out world! :-p

  • http://manifestyournextmate.com/ Kelly Ellzey

    Love this article Carl! That’s the first thing I ask when people are looking to make a significant change in their lives – “What is your commitment level?” – because if their commitment level is not high enough, they may as well not even try.

  • Beau Henderson

    Great article, if we think of our commitments as worth dying for then we will live our lives honoring them

  • Beau Henderson

    Great article, if we think of our commitments as worth dying for then we will live our lives honoring them

  • Beau Henderson

    Great article, if we think of our commitments as worth dying for then we will live our lives honoring them

  • Beau Henderson

    Great article, if we think of our commitments as worth dying for then we will live our lives honoring them

  • Ingrid

    This is an excellent article! How many times do we set goals and don’t fulfill them? Probably too many to count. You have to really want it! The question is how badly do you want it?

  • Ingrid

    This is an excellent article! How many times do we set goals and don’t fulfill them? Probably too many to count. You have to really want it! The question is how badly do you want it?

  • Ingrid

    This is an excellent article! How many times do we set goals and don’t fulfill them? Probably too many to count. You have to really want it! The question is how badly do you want it?

  • Ingrid

    This is an excellent article! How many times do we set goals and don’t fulfill them? Probably too many to count. You have to really want it! The question is how badly do you want it?

  • http://twitter.com/ElisePhotini Elise Photini Adams

    I especially love your point #3–making our goals public is so important, especially when we are striving to make significant changes.  We need the accountability of our friends/family to help us stick to our word and follow through!

  • http://www.facebook.com/DrJenBennett Jennifer Bennett

    Great steps Carl!  What an important aspect of our life that we need to reflect on!  Thanks for sharing!  I also LOVE the cartoon!  :)

  • http://twitter.com/marierleslie Marie Leslie

    Carl, this is just what I needed to hear today.  So many things seem to conspire to distract me from my focus and my goals and I am constantly having to work to stay committed and focused.  Thanks for the reminders.