Commitment

Commitment is a word we all use, but I'm not sure we all fully understand what it means. Here are some reflections from a recent conversation inside the Difference-Maker Community and on the Creative on Purpose Broadcast.

Commitment Is a Promise

You're putting yourself on the hook. If you're pledging to stand up to be seen and speaking up to be heard, make sure whatever you're committing to is worth it. Best to do so deliberately and with integrity and intention.

Commitments and Priorities

Your commitments speak to your priorities. You may not see this, but others surely do. Choose your commitments wisely.

Commitment Is a Habit

Commitment speak to your beliefs and revealed through repeated behaviors. Be conscious of your commitments. 80% of our activity is unconscious, so weave in mindfulness into the routines and relationships to which you're committed. 

Don't Confuse Commitment with Overcommitment

Commitments aren't always something to which you should say, "Yes." There are at least as many unhealthy as healthy commitments. Overcommitment is a seductive form of hiding and self-sabotage.

Commitment ≠ Certainty

Worthy ends are never guaranteed. Commit before you're sure. Clarity and resolve come through commitment and doing the work. If it's clear your commitments are not leading anywhere worth going, you must quit. Continuing would be delusional. But don't confuse lack of success with the value of your commitments. The most worthwhile commitments require the most effort and failure. That's why they also bring the most fulfillment.

Commitment Isn't a Solo Enterprise

Making commitments to yourself is fine, but rationalization, justification, and the rest of the noise clanging around in the echo chamber of your mind will surely thwart your most earnest promises. The most satisfying commitments put ourselves on the hook and are done with and for others.

Commitment Is a Verb

We pay a lot of lip service to our commitments, but are we living them? A commitment not lived isn't a commitment. It's a false promise. Live your commitments every day.

What are you committed to today? Who are you committed to do that work with and for?

Let's go.

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at C reative on Purpose

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