We have talked a little about commitment before, however it is such a living/moving/changing topic that it deserves more attention. Today I would like to ask you the question “Does it take commitment to do things that won’t stretch you?”
I say no.
I do not feel that it takes any kind of commitment to do anything that doesn’t stretch you in mind, body or spirit. Why would people have such a “fear” of commitment if this wasn’t true? 🙂 and not only talking about fear of commitment in relationships, but also with their schedules – have you noticed it is often hard for people to set a scheduled date? or to RSVP to a party or wedding?
Looking back at the definition of commitment which states:
-the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
synonyms: dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity
-an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.
synonyms: responsibility, obligation, duty, tie, liability.
My key focus lies in these words “restricts freedom of action”, with the synonyms responsibility and obligation commitment starts to take on the emotions of a four letter word. 🙂 We don’t like it. We want to resist. We want our freedom.
BUT like so many things in life we want to take the… if it comes tooooooo easily, WATCH OUT it is probably not very good for you!
Need Examples? How about a few…
- Sitting on the couch watching TV all day, every day for weeks.
- How much effort does this take? Very little.
- What positive result will come of it? Not much, besides being well versed in what is on Netflix.
- Better alternative for you? Limiting TV time to only a few hours a week. Yes, I said week not day. 🙂
- Which option stretches you more? Probably for most people, the second one of course.
- But is it worth it? I bet your family and friends would think so, if you choose to play games and talk about your day together. Your dog would think so, if you choose to take walks instead of TV. Your body would think so, if you choose to exercise instead of TV. Even your couch would think so, because it won’t wear out so quickly with an permanent indention of your body!
- Grabbing quick fast food meals daily for weeks.
- How much effort does this take? Very little, minus avoiding the drive through cuz they always seem to forget something. 🙂
- What positive result will come of it? Not much, including long term weight gain and loss of health.
- Better alternative for you? Cooking healthy balanced meals at home.
- Which option stretches you more? Cooking! It takes planning time, shopping time, prep time, lots of time!!
- But is it worth it? Of course, your guts and health will thank you.
- Never participating in personal growth.
- How much effort does this take? Very little.
- What positive result will come of it? Not much, you will probably die boring. I’m kidding, I’m kidding, kinda. 🙂
- Better alternative for you? Joining a mastermind group, taking an online course, reading a book attending a live seminar.
- Which option stretches you more? What ever option encourages you to grow personally and professionally, the one that takes time out of your day, makes you think differently about yourself and about the world. Helps you consider new perspectives and
understanding. - But is it worth it? Yes, personal growth is always worth it.
- Never making those pesky business calls to ask for an appointment.
- How much effort does this take? Very little.
- What positive result will come of it? Not much, in fact I would guess this would be the the #1 failure for home based business.
- Better alternative for you? Making those calls!!! Schedule them out, know who you are calling and having the contact info close at hand.
- Which option stretches you more? Yep once again it’s a no brainer – making the calls stretches you more.
- But is it worth it? Yes, your business will thank you and all the people you you help to make a difference in their life.
So, do you have things in your life that you feel committed to that didn’t really take any form of commitment to complete? Is it time to rethink some of the commitments in your schedule?
Is it time to stretch yourself? I think so! What do you think?
If you make some new changes in how and what you allow yourself to commit to, will your life begin to change? I know so!
Let’s talk! Do you agree or disagree? Tell me about your commitments and how they are positively impacting your life?
Have an outstanding day!
Much success,
Sara