Some people consider commitment a terrifying word. It evokes the fear of being stuck in a bad relationship or trapped in an unfulfilling job. But there is more to commitment than a golden handcuff or platinum wedding band.
When you want to achieve anything of importance in life you need commitment. Like a professional athlete you have to decide that you want to be your best, give your best, and make the pursuit of self-improvement a priority. Come rain or shine, athletes turn up. Even if they are feeling tired, they turn up. If they would rather be doing something else on that particular day, they still show up.
Athletes know that commitment does not guarantee success, but without it they might not get out of the starting blocks, let alone complete the race. Therefore, when they train, they train with commitment. They stay focused. They are there for a reason. They give everything they have got, because they know that if they are not committed they will be at a disadvantage. The same applies to your life, which means no commitment, no progress and no results.
You may have a dream or goal but are you committed? Commitment is an inner drive and determination to complete your goal. It is not something that you can manufacture. It is either there or it is not. Actually, commitment depends on the value that you place on your goal. If it is not that important to you, you will not be committed. It is the same case with jobs and relationships. If you do not value them, you will not be in them for long. So if you are struggling to commit to a person, position or path, ask yourself: ‘Am I sure that this is what I really want? If you are not, do not waste your time.
When you are sure that is what you want, but still struggling to commit, then you are not alone. There are people who find it hard to commit to anything. If that sounds like you, try to understand the underlying reason. Get in touch with the feelings and thoughts that hold you back. Do you fear being rejected, hurt or restricted? Are your thoughts rational? Remember, commitment comes from the heart and not the head, or another person. You should not let irrational thoughts or other people hold you back. Only you know what is important to you for it is a matter of your own future, and you are the only one who should decide your commitments.
For one who is committed, there are no shortcuts, no easy path. He does not leave for himself an escape hatch. It is like a rollercoaster. Once you are in, you are in. You have to ride it until the end. It takes grit and determination to honor your commitments. And that is exactly what turns a dream into a reality.
