How to Build a Strong Commitment [Transcript]
Improving commitment is a central issue in life. Here are some steps you can take to improve your commitment:
Identify what it is you are committing to
You could be committing to an idea or a belief that gives your life meaning or purpose. You could be committing to a project. A project can be something that we put a lot of focus and energy into and can give us a sense of connection to community. You may be committing to a career. A career can allow us to support ourselves and to identify ourselves professionally or creatively. Or, you could be committing to a person. Committing to others often brings up fears and insecurities, but is also central to our lives.
Understand the difference between interest and commitment
It is important to discern the difference between what we are interested in and what we are committed to. You know that something is a commitment when you have strong reasons — and several reasons — why something is in your mind and heart that you want to fulfill. When you are just interested in something, you will find there are fewer reasons to do it and those reasons are not as strong. Interest can be more fleeting, while commitment gives us a sense of identity over time.
Identify the feelings and thoughts underneath the commitment
Feelings and thoughts that usually align with commitment come with a sense of energy, vibrancy, purpose, and excitement. These are usually the earmarks of something that gives you the breath and interest every day that will keep you vital and are indicators that something is worthy of commitment.
Take steps towards the commitment
Once you have identified something like a commitment, take small practical steps each day towards the commitment. It could be something as simple as sending an email or a phone call to a collaborator. You can also set aside a consistent time in the day (maybe one to two hours) when you give undivided attention to the thing you are committed to. Consistency is also important.
These four things are basic tips to help improve commitment in our lives. Remember that the things we commit to are the things what we want, but often also bring up the most fear.
Read more: How to Say No Without Being Rude
What others ways can you improve commitment in your life? Leave an answer in the comments below!
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6 comments
Rich this is an amazing Vlog! It’s really important to think about each one of these points before making any kind of commitment in life I personally love and agree with your point about identifying what it is we are committing to. Often, we agree to things that we don’t fully understand or we don’t know the expectations, which then pushes our own boundaries.
Great tips, Rich! I especially appreciate the distinction between interest and commitment; I think a lot of us have some difficultly figuring out which parts of our life give us true purpose and you break it down in an understandable and useful way. I also think asking your therapist to help hold you accountable to your commitments can be helpful. Sometimes having a caring other checking in on your progress can help keep you motivated and focused. Thanks again for sharing these ideas!
Great tips, Rich! Committing to something can be so challenging. I really like the idea of setting the time aside to commit, as scheduling things makes it real. Also, scheduling sets the tone for the level of commitment. So helpful!
Rich, this is a really helpful way to break down the difference between which interests are appropriate for elevation to the level of commitment, and which are not. This is a great road map for actively ensuring success. Thank you.
Thanks for talking about the concept of commitment! Understanding the difference between commitment and interest and how to take commitment more seriously is an important skill that we can adapt in many areas of our lives.
I appreciate this topic, especially the point: Identify the feelings and thoughts underneath the commitment. A good reminder that our commitments should be approached with excitement, vibrancy and purpose. Otherwise, we our commitments feel more like obligations.