Mar 31, 2024
What Does It Mean to Be Truly Committed?
On the most recent episode of The Self Aware Leader podcast, I dove deep into the concept of commitment. We often throw that word around – I'm committed to fitness, committed to this project, committed to my personal growth. But what does true, maximum commitment really look like and feel like?
To dissect this, I like to rephrase the question:
"What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve a goal or uphold a value?"
That hits a little harder, doesn't it? Because true commitment isn't just about the good times, the easy choices. It's about what you'll keep doing, who you'll keep being, even when it's inconvenient, difficult, and frankly...uncomfortable.
Commitment in Action
Let's look at some examples:
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Relationships: Truly committed partners don't walk away at the first sign of conflict. They stay and work through the challenges – not because it's easy, but because the value of the relationship outweighs the temporary discomfort.
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Health: Being committed to your health isn't about a crash diet; it's about making sustainable lifestyle changes. We're talking early mornings for workouts even when you're tired, and saying 'no' to temptations that derail your goals.
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Career: Maximum commitment here means going the extra mile. Putting in the late nights to perfect a project, taking on extra responsibilities to learn – the things that aren't necessarily expected but are essential for growth.
Commitment Isn't Easy (But It's Worth It)
True commitment will stretch your comfort zone. There will be times when you want to give up, walk away, or cut corners. That's when you ask yourself that all-important question again: is what you want on the other side of this challenge worth the sacrifice you're making now?
It's important to be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, that's okay! Maybe now isn't the time, or perhaps you need to re-evaluate whether your goal is truly aligned with your values. But if that answer is a resounding "YES"... then it's time to dig in and make true commitment a part of your everyday life.
How do you cultivate maximum commitment? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!