"There are only two options regarding commitment ; you're either in or you're out! There's no such thing as life in between." Pat Riley. "It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it." Ecclesiastes 5:5.
"Without commitment you cannot have anything, whether it's a relationship, a business, or a hobby." Neil Strauss.
Commitment is defined as: "an agreement or pledge to do something in the future." Wishful thinking is defined as: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe. In other words, you are just whistling in the wind without any real expectation of a productive outcome (just talking with no action behind it). "Commitment is an act, not a word." Jean Paul Sartre.
It became necessary for me to understand the difference because procrastination no longer fit toward my slow movement. After all, how many times can you delay a project and blame it on procrastination? At some point, you have to come to the conclusion that your commitment is waning or has taken flight.
When I write these posts, I am speaking to myself as well. There are several goals that I have set for myself over the years. Some I have met with enthusiasm and some remain pending. It is the ones that are pending that give me pause. My question to me is: Why are they still pending? Electing to respond with the simple word "procrastination" is a cop-out. It is more than that. The question then arises: Am I committed to achieving these goals or was my setting them wishful thinking with no intention of ever meeting them? This sounds harsh, but a true consideration. The formula for success has not changed; for everything that I have accomplished, I decided that I wanted it, committed to it (of course doing the work), and success followed.
Upon close examination, I now see that my "commitment" to these open goals has fallen off. Don't ask me why. Gradually, over time, it happened. "There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results." Art Turock." My goals are important to me, and I have carefully chosen them to enhance my life, and therefore it should be easy to obtain them. "The biggest commitment you must keep is your commitment to yourself." Neale Donald Walsch. When I give my word to others, I go out of my way to keep my word. I must be as or more committed to keeping my word to myself.
We should all set big goals. I have heard it said that if your dreams do not scare you a little, they are not big enough. Let's take Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. for example. He dared to dream of a world with civil rights and justice for all, a world where we would be judged not by our skin color, but by the content of our character. What a dream! It cost many lives, even his. Much change was made. "It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow." Ralph Ellison. Dr. King's dream changed the nation and the world. We grew together in ways that we are still benefiting from today. Happy Birthday Dr. King, and thank you for your sacrifice and commitment. "Few things have as much power as commitment." John D. Lemme.
In Genesis 6:14-21, we read that God instructed Noah to build an ark which would hold those selected people, including Noah and his family, animals, and some essentials that would be needed to survive the flood that God was going send to destroy all life under the heavens; every creature that has the breath of life in it. There was no mention of rain on the earth until the flood (Gen. 7:4,12. Noah had no point of reference. Yet, Noah obeyed without question. He committed to the building of the ark which took about one hundred twenty (120) years. Imagine the looks, stares and whispering. "Commitment allows you to focus intently on a few highly important goals and achieve a greater degree of success than you otherwise would." Mark Manson
Noah's faith fueled his commitment. He was blessed as a result.
Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and Daniel in the Bible are other examples of sincere commitment. "Commitment is the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose. Commitment describes the person who is willing to give their time and energy to something that they believe in. Daniel was so committed to God that he faced certain death for not obeying the brainwashing of the King. Daniel, chapters 5-6. He was thrown into the lion's den because he refused to follow the edicts of the king, he refused to bow down to an idol. Daniel walked out of the lion's den unscathed. God shut the mouths of the lions.
How far would you go to keep your commitment to yourself (without being under a threat? ). I do not want to make anybody feel any kind of way by asking this. But, think about it. So in 2024, let us be thankful that God has given us another chance to commit or should I say recommit to our goals. Begin by seeking God first in everything. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3. You and I have tried and too often fallen short of our goals. Why not trust God to help us? Let's be committed to trusting Him.
STOP AND REASSESS: THE CHOICE IS YOURS TO MAKE CHANGES FOR THE BETTER!
Review 2023 goals and objectives. Please be honest in assessing what you did or did not do to support the manifestation of your goals and objectives. Did we (you and/or I) design an action plan? Did we follow it? Did we ignore our goals until five or six months in and then decide that we needed to change them? I submit to you that we re-direct/start over. More importantly, do not let this happen in 2024.
Use these simple steps for 2024: a. Decide that you will select goals that you plan to achieve. "Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way." Les Brown. b. Commit to these goals without wavering; stay with them for the time that you determine it will take to achieve your goals. "Don't expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won't be. Don't count on motivation, Count on discipline. "Jock O. Willink. Be willing to focus, make the sacrifice of time, money, hard work, and patience, etc., on a consistent basis to accomplish your goals. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do this; what you set your mind to.
Share your goals and plans with at least two people. Ask them to be accountability partners. (not a nuisance); just someone that you can trust and someone that has your best interest at heart and would be willing to have you check in with them at written (clearly denoted) intervals. At that time, you can ask for their support in terms of encouraging words and/or prayer. We beat up on ourselves enough. We do not need anyone else to participate. Sometimes we need a cheerleader.
Always bathe your plans in prayer, and be open to God's guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6. You have a powerful and loving friend and father who wants you to lean on Him to supply your needs. Try Him. Contact Him through prayer.
Give thanks in all things. 1Thessalonians 5:18. It is God's will that we give thanks. Given all that God has given to us and done for us, the least we can do is say, "Thank you." We should have hearts of gratitude.
Anticipate and celebrate success! (Even the smallest victories)! You have the victory (claim it!) Buy yourself a new pen, a journal or a cup of coffee. Whatever it is, reward yourself for following through.
In 2024, be thankful that you and I get another chance to get it right or that you and I get another chance to try again with God's help. Bless somebody when and where you can. Stay focused. May God bless you in all your endeavors. Let me take this moment to congratulate you! You have the victory!!
May 2024 be the year that all your goals are realized to your benefit and to the glory of God. With my love and sincere best wishes for a peaceful, joy-filled, productive, prosperous New Year; one filled with flawless commitment to meeting your goals.
God bless you! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!!!
Yours, Yvette
Thank you again for your support! I remain humbled and grateful. You can comment at vttlane@gmail.com
My novel "Rescue Me" is available for purchase. Click here to purchase a copy.
Comments