Yes, I said it. Committing to doing something is easy. However, delivering is the challenging aspect. In the past month I’ve learned that commitment is something I appreciate more than I have in the past. Making the right commitments can sometimes be a gamble, but I’ve honed in on a few suggestions to commit to something and to deliver on it. Let me share some tips on what works for me.
Be Realistic.
Don’t plan to fail by setting any aggressive goals. Failing to meet any such goal will only hurt you and feed the resistance in your mind on why you shouldn’t do it again. ANY improvement is improvement nonetheless, so aim low and go big. It might not be worth bragging about, but who cares?
Have conviction.
Never do anything you don’t want to do. We all take sacrifice for any action (or inaction) we do. If you’re committing to something new, have just cause for doing it. Argue with yourself and debate the reasons for and against it. This will help you defend your commitment when others hold it under question. Obviously, this takes integrity to yourself because we can’t always bullshit ourselves into meaningful change. Have some conviction in it and believe in it.
Think Right, Not Right Now.
When faced with a great opportunity, we are given a choice over right now, or the long-term “right” choice. Absolve your impulses, realize why you have impulses and remind yourself why you took on a commitment. See “conviction” as noted above.
No Regrets.
Despite my morbid thoughts on death and loss, it’s matured my views on living without regret. Regret is a victimization of yourself. Stop it. If you were to die today, would you be pleased with your choices? If the answer is anything but an affirmative “yes,” then it’s time to change your thinking.
Hold Yourself Accountable.
I consider myself accountable, but not for matters pertaining to me. I am a biased party – a judge who is paid by the cops and the city council. I am no person to preside over the efforts of myself. However, the trick here is to confide in your close friends, let them know your commitment and beg them to hold you accountable. No holds barred – you’re giving them executive powers over your impulses.
I’m a gambler. I calculate my gains before I calculate my losses. Put some skin into the game and make a bet to yourself. Stick to your commitment for (X) months and reward yourself. Make bets to your friends so they are financially vested in holding you accountable. It’s like escrow, but it’s how you deliver.
Reward Yourself.
Like I mentioned above, it’s important to reward yourself for your hustle that you put into your commitment. Don’t reward yourself by going back on your commitment, just supplement it. A trip to Sin City? A beach getaway? Front-seat to a NASCAR race? Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you like and want and would love to go to. Write it down. Look at it every day.
Along with a reward is to “Visioneer” your success. Vision + Engineering is that word. (Thanks Rachel!) Basically, start taking action now to setup for the reward. Engineer your life so it’s completely natural and aids you along your success path. Keep the vision and take action now.
Accept Compliments.
Finally – accept compliments from others. I admit I don’t know how to take compliments. After 25 years, you’d think I would, but I clam up, feel vulnerable and powerless. It’s like giving a dictator what he wants – what more could he do? My manager and I discussed modesty and gratitude, she suggested to simply say thank you. I’m getting used to that. I’ll write more on this another time. Compliments are rewarding and help you move forward. One thing I take note of is people’s body language, vocal tone and pitch, facial expressions and their smiles when giving them. It’s completely meta (or creepy); but it’s what I have burned into my head. I play them back in my head when I follow through on my commitments and it keeps me going. As I say, “I appreciate being appreciated.” I do and thank you all.
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I hope this helps you as you follow through on your commitments. It has helped me.
