Make the Commitment (Step 4: Resolution Revolution)

"Most people fail not because they lack the desire, but because they lack the commitment." -Vince Lombardi

When I first start working with a client one of the first questions I am asked is, "How long is it going to take me to change?". Of course, there is no simple answer, but I will usually ask in return, "How committed are you to make it happen?". The best answer is, "It will take as long as it takes, it all depend on how committed you are."

Making real, lasting change means reworking patterns and behaviors that have evolved over time. When done correctly, change is slow, steady, and deliberate. If we were to draw out the process of change on a board, it would look like a slinky. Progress keeps looping back on itself. But like a slinky going down the stairs, you will keep moving toward the goal, if you have the commitment.

Anything worth doing takes time and energy. In this day and age of instant gratification, that is not something we are used to. You can't undo years of a habit in just a few days.

Commitment requires a vision, energy, a promise to yourself, and hard work. Remember, if it was easy you would have done it a long time ago.

In my practice, we focus heavily on the vision. I think it's important to picture yourself being successful at whatever goal you are setting out on. We work to envision how that success will look in your life. That's a very important part of the process, seeing where your commitment will lead. Imagining your life after you succeed. A colleague of mine even calls her practice "Envision to Achieve." If you can envision being successful, it's easier to commit to the process.

When making this commitment must include a promise. Not a promise to your partner, to your boss, or to someone else, you have to make a promise to yourself. You can bring others in for support, but this must be about you. If you're doing it solely because someone asked you to, it probably won't stick. It's about you and that's important to remember.

The final part of your commitment is agreeing to do the work, for as long as it takes. If you're not willing to do the work, then don't waste your time. Work means putting your energy into something you believe in, and you've promised to believe in yourself. It takes work to succeed at anything worth achieving.

Commitment is a big word, it comes with a lot of pressure. When you decide you are willing to make the promise to yourself, to put the energy into your vision, and decide it's worth the work, you have a commitment.

When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will do whatever it takes to succeed, the undecided heart will do whatever it takes to escape.

Commit, because you're worth it!

Coach Bill



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