Do You Have What It Takes? Yes, If You Know What to Commit Yourself to

“Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” ~ Steve Jobs

Do you have what it takes? That can be a scary question to ask yourself, fear and doubt can show up before you answer. Can I really make a success of this relationship? Can I start and run my own business? Can I make a real difference in the world? What if…?

“What ifs” are helpful for examining what may likely happen. However, as long as you remain in this uncommitted state, you won’t make progress. Keeping your options open for fear of failing guarantees failure. It feels safe, because it’s familiar. But it’s very limiting.

On the other hand, when you’re fully committed to making something work, it will work, because you work at it, until it does work.

Yes, WORK is a key element of being committed to a course of action. However, if you love what you do, it won’t feel like work. And as Steve Wozniak says, “If you love what you do and are willing to do what it takes, it’s within your reach.” 

If you have commitment, you have what it takes to succeed.

There are countless potential romantic partners out there. There are oodles of technological solutions available. There are a million ways of doing things. Pick one and see it through — that’s commitment. You choose not to get distracted by the next one that comes along.

Does that mean you can’t be committed to more than one thing at a time?

You can be committed to multiple things — family, career, optimal health, charitable works, etc — provided you have the energy for it. Just remember your commitments are YOUR choices. They’re not simply someone else’s agenda that you drift into.

That being said, here are two commitments everyone can make…

Commitment to curiosity. Becoming a mindful and appreciative observer of your internal and external world adds depth to your commitments. It keeps things from getting dull, boring and routine, so you don’t become dissatisfied with what you have. It helps you honor your commitments, because you use curiosity to enrich and strengthen them. You’re not using curiosity to look for ways to replace them.

Commitment to the journey. You’re in this life for the long-term. Be excited to see where the journey takes you.

Avoid the trap of being committed to a specific outcome. Be committed to the process. For example,

• • You’re committed to attaining optimal health. But then you break a leg in an accident. You can no longer run 5 miles a day. Do you reason, “Oh well, might as well eat chips, ice cream and lay on the couch, because the leg hurts.” No, you’re committed to health, so you do your best, making the most of the situation.
  • You’re committed to a life-long romantic partnership. You dream of growing old together, traveling the world. But your partner gets sick. Your dream is in jeopardy, so you jump ship before the going gets too rough…is that what you do? No. You’re committed to being the best partner you can be, so you focus on your part of the process by nurturing intimacy, trust, friendship and loyalty, no matter where it leads.
  • You’re committed to building an excellent coaching business. You start out working with a business partner who shares your vision. But your business partner backs out after a couple of years. Do you give up your dream? No, you keep building a business that’s aligned with your commitment to excellence. (If this is you, you might enjoy my brand new Embodied Coach Training.)

Sometimes others don’t honor your commitments. Use this to clarify your priorities. You can re-invent yourself without abandoning your commitments. Embrace each new experience as a phase of the journey, knowing your inner compass will guide you to where you need to go. Only you can make that decision.  

One more thing about whether you have what it takes…don’t confuse commitment with complacency. If an action is aligned with your patience, attitude, and passion, then you’re still on the right track.Do you have what it takes? I’m confident you do! If you’re experiencing self-doubt, that’s a natural part of growth. Please don’t let it stop you. I am committed to helping women attain their big dreams. If you’re interested in working with me, let’s connect and talk.