You can set goals – SMART goals – but the one reason people succeed in achieving their goals is their level of commitment.
What are you committed to? How strong is that commitment?
As I write this, if you want to see what pure commitment looks like you only need to turn on the TV and flip over to the news. High Schools kids are teaching us all a lesson in commitment.
Seventeen people died in the school shooting in Florida, fifteen of them classmates.
The violence in our schools and the debate over gun control, mental health, background checks, assault rifles, age requirements for purchasing, all ramped up immediately afterwards.
But like in all the past incidents, there was only talking and shouting at each other.
Then the high school kids stood up. They set a goal to make a change.
It was THEIR friends who died.
They had the passion of the tragic impact to their lives and became committed. Committed to a purpose, not for the power they might obtain, but for the change they might induce.
Their commitment led them to walk out of school, to march on the Florida capital and the Governor’s office and on to the White House to talk to the President.
They are committed to changing the law. They are committed to achieving this goal – no matter what. And I’ll bet they have success of some kind.
Why? Because of their commitment and passion.
You see, success isn’t about how much money you have or how much power you have or who you are. It’s about how committed you are to your goal.
It’s never easy, and won’t happen overnight. But in order to succeed you need to commit to these three things:
1. The process. You can’t succeed if you are only committed to the end goal. Yes you should be committed to the end goal, but the rough road getting there can knock you off track. How many people have committed to the goal of losing X pounds and after a few days or weeks they give up? If they had been committed to the process of losing weight (calories consumed, increased physical activity, eliminate bad foods, etc.), they would reach their goal much easier and with probable certainty. Commit to the process and you’ll find success.
2. Doing the work. Sure you can be committed to the process, but eventually you need to do the work. I’ve seen many people brag on their to-do list or their plan to accomplish goals. But they never seem to actually accomplish it. Why? Because they enjoy talking about it, but never actually do it. Stop talking and do the work.
3. Having the right mindset. Commitment is hard and everything will seem to be against you – once you commit. You have to decide in the beginning what it is you really want and believe without a doubt that you can and will achieve it. Keeping a mindset that is committed to your goal, and the purpose you are working for, will help you weather the storms that will come up to blow you off course.
Most people quit when it gets hard – because they aren’t truly committed.
Most people are interested in achieving a goal – but they aren’t truly committed.
Being truly committed means you have a passion for the goal you want to achieve, and have determined the purpose of your life is to accomplish it. When you put your passion together with your purpose – I say the world better get out of your way.
What’s your passion and are ready to commit? If you’re looking for a coach to help you move forward with your goals or interested in hosting a goal setting workshop, let’s talk.
Mark Schinnerer
Author / Speaker / Coach – author of The Success Grower: 8 Down To Earth Elements for Achieving Your Goals