Five Levels of Commitment - Where Do You Stand?
When it comes to success in life, many people say that they want it however most aren't willing to put in the work and effort needed to get there. Nothing is handed to us on a silver platter - success must be earned by the sweat over our brow and the pain in our lower back. Success takes sacrifice, overcoming your fears, and most of all, commitment.
Where there's no commitment from people (and there's nothing to help motivate them), people will never be able to transcend their current situation. You can't lose weight, get out of debt, improve your marriage, complete a degree program, or reach retirement without commitment. In fact, to accomplish anything worth accomplishing in life, commitment is required.
"It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through." - Zig Ziglar
Your level of commitment in any particular area in your life is directly proportional to the results that you will achieve. In any person's life, there are varying levels (or categories) of commitment that can be broadly arranged into 5 different categories.
5: Not Committed
On the far left of the commitment spectrum are those people who are simply not committed whatsoever towards making a success of their life. They lack both the mental and physical fortitude to effectuate positive changes in their life to achieve extraordinary results. People in this arena are often considered "comfortable" or "complacent" with their life. From time to time they may think about making changes that would lead to more success however they often find excuses or talk themselves out of doing anything new.
4: Wishing and Hoping But Not Committed in Action
Wishing upon a star
With this level of commitment, people often dream about success in their life however no action is taken as a result of their wishing and hoping. For one reason or another they can't or won't make the leap to translate their thoughts into action. Often times it is a fear of failure or a fear of being criticized that prevents them from living out their dream. In other cases, people at this stage of commitment may just simply lack a belief in themselves. If you know people who would identify themselves as in this category of commitment, then they could likely use some encouragement.
3: You're Committed in Your Mind But It's not a Priority
When it comes to success in anything, many people make it to this stage of commitment in their lives. They are willing to make a commitment to change or improve themselves or their situation but then their energy and passion fades over time. For instance, they may have no problem going on a diet but lack the ability to stick to one eating and exercise plan for any length of time. People who yo-yo diet have not made making a change in their life a top priority. The same line of holds true for anything else worth pursuing such as wealth building, paying down debt, and applying the rule of moderation in most aspects of life. People in this category are committed in spirit but have not crossed the boundary leading to permanent and lasting success.
2: Committed to Success But with Limits or Boundaries
Some people have been able to translate thoughts into actions successfully but then place boundaries or parameters on when or where success can occur for themselves. Depending on those limits, you can still see fairly good results at this stage of commitment, however you are likely performing below your maximum potential. People in this category have what it takes to succeed in general but aren't necessarily willing to make many of the sacrifices needed to achieve the extraordinary.
1: Committed to Success at Any Cost
On the far right of the commitment spectrum is the final stage or category of commitment which is described by the willingness to succeed no matter what the cost is. The cost of commitment can vary greatly depending on what the specific commitment is. If you are committed to your family, you will sacrifice everything for them. Or, for example, if you've committed to earn your degree "at any cost" then you will be willing to sacrifice much to succeed.
When I was in college I definitely fell into this category. I gave up a lot of sleep and spending nights out with friends in order to focus on my studies. I also worked multiple jobs, lived frugally, and made it to class everyday regardless of how tired I was. I was so committed to success that in the final year of my undergraduate degree program, I completed my senior design project in 32 hours. That's 32 continuous, non-stop, hours without much more than a few breaks to use the restroom or scarf down a Hot Pocket. And by the way, I did this within the first 3 weeks of my final semester - not the last 3 weeks. I knew that if I could finish my project quickly that I would have more time to focus on my other classes and while finishing out my degree program strongly.
Are You Committed to Success?
Are your committed to succeed in all aspects of your life? I mean, really committed? Do you have the wherewithal and the fortitude to take ideas and thoughts from your mind and translate them into action and results? Are you willing to re-program your mind and change your attitude about things? Are you ready to stop being a victim to circumstances and other people's whims and to start taking control of your life?
"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill
If you're really committed to make everlasting changes and to have success in your life, you need to be willing to put in the effort. Success is not easy but it comes with persistence, hard work, and a positive attitude. You have to be willing to do what needs to be done whether you want to do it or not. Start today by changing your habits and striving for continual growth and improvement in all areas of your life. Delay gratification, change your mindset, and employ small, incremental changes in your life. Eventually, these things will add up to big changes and long term success.