What does “commitment” mean to you?
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Maybe you are a bit of a word nerd like I am.
The word “commitment” comes up in my life and my work with clients remarkably often, so I decided to took a look at the definition.
Here’s how the Cambridge Dictionary defines “commitment”:
a promise or firm decision to do something
willingness to give your time and energy to a job, activity, or something that you believe in
something that you must do or deal with that takes your time
This is a powerful word, and one I do not take lightly.
A promise is something serious and sacred.
A firm decision is not always easy to make, but when you do make one it’s a big deal.
Willingness entails embracing the unknown and engaging in the work to make your decision become a reality.
And the process nearly always takes time.
We juggle lots of commitments
The accomplished women I work with are typically loaded with commitments.
They do work that is important and often demanding.
Most have families that entail commitments.
Many volunteer in a range of ways.
And many want to make (or try and keep) commitments to themselves. They aim to focus on self-care, or passion projects, or more space for joy, and many find those commitments at the bottom of the list.
What true commitment looks like.
Every commitment is a promise, and there are only so many promises we can make and keep.
The key is to choose your commitments based on what is really important to you, and what is realistic for you now — so you can keep the promises.
Choosing your commitments with care is the key to seeing them through.
The commitments you make will vary in size. The mix has to add up to what you can not only do, but do with joy.
Here are some examples of commitments I have witnessed that may inspire you.
1. Finding a new direction
More than one client I’ve worked with realized that burnout was taking a toll that was intolerable. The first commitment each made was to find a new path that would be fulfilling and sustainable — both personally and financially. Next came a willingness to embark on creating something new. Learning curves were daunting at times. Determination, patience and support were needed to launch new consulting practices. The outcomes have been tremendous for all of them.
2. Creating what their hearts desire
Two clients are leaders with demanding roles, in positions they care about and are great at. And, both have a deep passion (and talent!) for work that is quite different from their “day jobs”. Both are committed to nurturing and building the businesses they are truly passionate about. It entails careful decision-making and focus, as they honor what they truly love and plan to transition to consulting for their organizations. They will then make the work they are deeply passionate about their primary professional focus.
3. Reshaping work and life
Several entrepreneurs have realized they want to reshape their businesses to be more fulfilling, sustainable and lucrative. They have committed to getting clear about what they truly want and exploring avenues for change. The decisions are big and the executions need to be carefully and courageously carried out. It is exciting to see them commit to the process and reap the rewards.
Choose your commitments
Consider commitments in many sizes and flavors.
Maybe you want to commit to something small and meaningful, such as getting outdoors to walk every day, rain or shine.
Maybe you want to commit to withdrawing (with kindness) from things you said “Yes” to but realize they are not aligned for you, or you said yes to please someone, or you know it is not realistic for you to follow though with.
Maybe your new commitment will be to gracefully say “No” to anything that will overload you.
After you choose a small new commitment to bring into your life, consider the bigger commitments you long to make.
Don’t be shy.
You, too, can make meaningful new commitments and live your biggest life!
