Commitment is a measure of how and why we set goals. It represents an aspect of mindset that determines what your default response is when asked to do something.
People tend to respond in different ways:
- I’ll go for it.
- I will accept the challenge
- I'll do what ever it takes.
Or, in a more defeatist manner....
- That looks tough.
- I’ll never manage that.
- I’ll look stupid if I fail.
- Maybe I can't be bothered to give it a go, it's not worth the effort.
Individuals with a high degree of commitment will believe that they can consistently deliver what is important in the grand scheme of things. Measurement of some form will be important to them as it provides standards and targets against which they can benchmark themselves. Having the ability to measure things might motivate them. Though it is enough to motivate them to work out how to achieve their goals and how to deploy resources to make sure it happens.
When thinking of the language these type of highly committed people use, these type of words slip off the tongue:
- Tenacious
- Persistent
- Determined
- Perseverance
- Conscientious
To look to improve your commitment towards a goal why not follow the progression steps below to plot a long term goal and the steps you can take to achieve it. Get your note pad out!
Step 1: Goal Setting - What is your long term goal? Why do you want to achieve the goal? What difference will it make to your life?
Step 2: Strategy - What is the goal? How will you achieve it? What resources do you need at your disposal to achieve the goal? When you will achieve it by?
Step 3: Tactics - What obstacles may you come up against? What milestones will you achieve on your way to achieving the long term goal? What do you need to achieve in the next 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks to achieve the bigger goal?
Step 4: Action - What are you going to do NOW - in the next hour - to achieve the larger goals?
Step 5: Celebrate - How will you celebrate achieving the small tasks along the way? How will you enjoy the larger goal?
If you would like help with this exercise or would like to learn more about how to improve your commitment to long term goals please feel free to get in touch.
David Charlton, Mental Toughness Coach and HCPC Registered Sport & Exercise Psychologist
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 7734 697769
www.lookingchallengeintheeye.com