Commitment means...

Everyone knows I love a good quote, and here's one I found for commitment:

"Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you would do long after the mood you said it in has left you."

I am still looking for where it originated from, but whoever said it was/is brilliant!

Let's take a moment to reflect on the past week.

Consider all the things you accomplished and those you didn't. This exercise in self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth.

What motivated you? What didn't?

What was your level of commitment to begin with? Was it a "I'm going to get this done no matter what?" Or was it an "I'll try to get this done."

So, here's the thing about commitment. It's more than just a promise. It's a mindset kind of thing. Meaning, that we tend to accomplish what we set our minds to.

Now, I fully acknowledge that challenges and circumstances can get in our way.

Yet, our number one challenge is typically ourselves. Motivating ourselves to stay loyal to our commitment long after the mood in which we said it.

So how do we counteract this?

Well, to begin with, let's start with a few questions that will serve as a compass toward stronger commitments.

First, what is the commitment that we're making? And why are we making it?

Second, what will it take to follow through with the commitment? What will it cost us (e.g., time, money, resources, etc.)? And are we truly willing to pay the price?

Third, what about those around us? What would the impact be on them as we follow through on our commitment? And better yet… What would the impact on them be if we didn't follow through on our commitment?

Our time is truly precious!! So, taking ourselves through these reflective questions will help us determine if our commitment(s) are truly worth making.

And once those decisions are made, this one small question at the end of every day will help us stay on track… How loyal was I to my commitment today, and what can I do to stay loyal tomorrow?