Few would argue the power of commitment, but few have thought about it deeply. And unfortunately, even fewer access this power as consistently as they could. I’ve written about this before, urging leaders to strive to build the commitment of their teams. But today I take a step back to explore the great power of commitment for us as individuals.
Can you achieve great things without commitment – both at the start and throughout the endeavor?
The famous Scottish mountaineer, W.H. Murray, wrote the most powerful words about this idea in his 1951 book, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.
If you are part of a team about to climb Mt. Everest, it is clear you need commitment. But Murray’s point applies to more than big aspirations, goals, and challenges like climbing a mountain – it applies to you and I today. It applies to all the following, and much more:
- To the project in front of you
- To the habit you want to change
- To the product or service you are envisioning
- To making the most of your current job
- To finding your dream job
- To becoming a great leader
- To becoming a better team member
The list is literally endless.
You Know the Power
Think about your times of greatest success and achievement. Did you commit to those outcomes? What role did your commitment, grit, determination, and stick-to-it-ness play in your success?
A great deal, I am sure.
And when missing your goal caused disappointment, was it because your commitment was incomplete?
So on the things, tasks, and goals you are thinking about today, the question would be:
How committed are you?
The Power Starts with a Decision
Commitment starts with a decision, driven by a purpose. Lots of decisions get made, but that alone doesn’t imply commitment. (New Year’s resolutions, anyone?) When we commit to the decision, we create the power source. When we fully commit, we do, as Murray says, start a series of events and other decisions that drastically improve our chances for success.
Tap into the Power of Commitment
If you want greater results, reduced stress, greater pride, and less guilt. If you know your purpose for achieving something, it is time to commit. You can make that decision anytime, including today. Right now.
If you want a reason to make it today, in this video I give you a reason.
Your commitment may not guarantee that you achieve everything you want, but it will drastically improve your odds of achieving anything that you commit to.
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If you are committed to becoming a more effective leader – and want to build the power of commitment in others too, consider The Remarkable Way.
The Remarkable Way is a one month at a time, one skill at a time approach to building your leadership skills through learning. I guide and facilitate your learning each month. No airplanes, hotels, or workshops, but an on-going, connected-to-your-daily-work approach to building your leadership skills. Learn more and get started here.
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