How Committed Are You?

This week I am reminded of the commitment I have made to myself. The purpose behind this commitment is to ensure I am living my life in a way that is important to me.  I have goals and intentional steps toward these goals which all stem from my commitment.  These goals encompass work, family, health, etc. 

Oftentimes when I, or clients, drift from a plan, revisiting the commitment is the first step to getting back on track.  It is so important! 

So, what is a commitment?  It is a statement that you make declaring how you are intentionally living out the purpose in your life.  It answers the “why” aspect of putting all of your hard work into your goals.   For instance, if one of your goals is to make xxx amount of money this year, it will become more meaningful when you tie it to your life’s commitment.  Why is making money important to you?  What legacy do you want to leave in which this helps? 

Here are some steps to finding and writing your commitment. 

• Start at the end…of your life. You are lying on your deathbed and looking back at your life.  You did everything you wanted, and it was fulfilling.  What did you do? 

• Get to the why.  Why are each of the items you listed important to you?  Keep asking why for each one until you get to the root of its meaning for you.  

• Identify a theme or themes. After the “why” rooting, notice similarities in these meanings and write them down. 

• Write a commitment statement.  Arrange these themes in a commitment statement.  An easy format to follow is – I am committed to ______ because _______.  

• Do a check.  How meaningful does this statement feel to you? Keep in mind: the head thinks, the heart desires, but the soul knows.  What have you known all your life that is important for you to accomplish?   When clients make a commitment statement that is really meaningful, it almost always evokes great emotion.   

• Read it daily. Once you have your commitment, read it daily.  This is what keeps you on track with your goals (Why am I doing this?), helps you to set boundaries (Does this fit in my commitment?), and can help you do things that are uncomfortable or create fear (How does doing this step help me grow and get me closer to my commitment?)

Can commitments change?  Oftentimes I see commitments get more clarity.  This happens from different experiences or more meaning is realized.   The important thing to know is that the commitment statement is right for you if it feels deeply meaningful at this time. 

Being clear about what is important to me in my life helps me be intentional about how I live.  The more I do this, the more fulfilled and happier I am.   
If you would like a form to help you develop your commitment – I have one I would love to share.  Reach out to Heather at heather@illuminateandgo.com.