Make a Commitment not a Resolution
“Motivation is what gets you started. Commitment is what keeps you going.” - Jim Rohn
We’re approaching not only the beginning of a new year but also the start of a new decade. The holiday haze will soon be lifted and the past days, weeks or months of indulgences need to be acknowledge and owned. At this time approximately 93% (APA) of people will make a New Year’s Resolution, however only 77% will be successful after the first week, within one month, the number drops to 55%, and in two years the number is a paltry 19%.(Norcross, Vangarelli) With these kind of numbers it’s no surprise that some people laugh or snicker at the idea of even participating in the ritual, but you cannot deny the expectant energy associated with January 1st. Making a change is often challenging and there is nothing wrong with using the wave of potential that cascades over us when the clock strikes 12:00am on New Year’s Day. What I am suggesting, is to approach this cultural event with a more mindful and stronger pledge then a resolution, approach your goals for 2020 with a Commitment.
Use the transformative energy of January 1st and make a commitment rather than a resolution. When exploring the etymology of the word resolution (see below), one can see how something that could be positive and energizing can be interpreted as negative and fault finding. You are telling your brain that there is something wrong with you and you need to be fixed, you are a problem that needs to be solved, and this mindset does not bode well for long term success.
Resolution is the noun form of the verb resolve, which comes from Latin resolvere, "to loosen, undo, settle." We can still see this meaning in resolution, in the sense of "an explanation" or "a solution"; when a problem, conflict or mystery reaches its resolution, it has been "undone," so to speak. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/resolution)
In contrast the origins of commitment (see below) will bolster your efforts and nudge your psyche into a more serious state - you are making a pledge to take action, with complete understanding of what is required of you. When you make a commitment you have complete confidence and fortitude in your abilities and desires to see it through. You are recognizing that you can achieve what you are swearing yourself to.
Commitment 1610s, "action of officially consigning to the custody of the state," from commit + -ment. (Anglo-French had commettement.) Meaning "the pledging or engaging of oneself, a pledge, a promise" is attested from 1793; hence, "an obligation, an engagement" (1864). https://www.etymonline.com/word/commitment)
Thoughts to consider when writing (yes writing) your Commitment
This is not as New Year’s wish, this is a commitment and you need to ask yourself, what are you willing to commit yourself to for the next year?
Write down the reasons why you are making this commitment, why is this important to you, what benefits will it bring and what pains or discomforts will it ease?
Make it progressive, lay out the steps you’ll be taking throughout the next year. Change comes with slip ups, anticipate them and plan for them.
Keep it focused on what is in your control, what actions and changes you can actually make not the hopeful results of those actions.
How will you keep yourself motivated throughout the year, because motivation is not permanent, as Zig Ziglar stated “People often say that motivation doesn’t last, well neither does bathing - that’s why we recommend you do it daily.”
Make check points for evaluations and rewards (not counter-intuitive to your commitment). Put in lines for your initials and date. Schedule these check-ins into your calendar. Allow for changes based on the results.
Sign the commitment as if it was a contract and if you desire, have a friend or family member (someone that wants to see you succeed) sign off as a witness.
Post it where you can see it every day.
“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” ― Fitzhugh Dodson
If you are interested in making a commitment for 2020, I’ve created a form that you can use and fill out. Just send me your email address and I’ll email the document over to you for FREE. You will also be signed up to receive the FREE blog in your email which you can unsubscribe at any time.
Copyright 2020 Strength & Grace Life Coaching LLC