Blog | Entrepreneurship

Commitment

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”

- W. H. Murray, from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)

This is one of my favorite quotes. When doing anything in life, there is the choice of commitment that gets to be decided on. Something as simple as going to the grocery store and sticking to the grocery list is a level of commitment (are you going to commit to sticking to the list or is it just a guideline). Choosing an investment, learning about finances, having kids, working out at the gym, all take commitment.

An example is when my husband and I decided to become business owners and get out of the rat race; it was a commitment! We took a stand for what we were creating and committed ourselves to that mission completely. We knew the road would at times be hard and there would be challenges but once we made the commitment to do it, providence moved too! I’m sure it ties into my strong “why” as well but it’s not a commitment I waiver on.

Another example, a commitment I hear many talk about on New Years is the commitment for working out. What many will do is have a goal in mind for the gym or to just be healthier. What I have learned is that for some, it takes another goal or a level of commitment to continue an ongoing goal like the gym or working out. For some it comes natural but for others, just getting there requires a strong commitment. An example would be a commitment to sign up for a personal trainer; it gives another level of accountability when just getting there may not be enough. Or even signing up for a challenge like a 5k or a group athletic activity may give you the extra boost in being committed to working out.

I challenge you all to look at your level of commitment to any thing you do. Increasing your financial IQ, what is your level of commitment? Investing in a rental property, starting a part time business, all take commitment. The true question is, is it just a guideline for a bigger picture/outcome, is it something you want to do for fun and don’t really care about the outcome or are you committed? And if you aren’t completely committed, there is hesitancy, a chance to draw back – so what can be added or what to you get to personally look at within you so you do make the commitment?