The Power of Commitment: The Importance of Saying Yes and No

Committing means selecting a specific path and setting aside alternatives. Consider marriage: when you pledge to love your partner, you declare, “I, _____, take you, _____, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

This promise is unconditional; there’s no room for hesitation or excuses, like “I don’t have time for this marriage right now,” or “I’ll dedicate time when our situation improves.” You must either uphold your commitment or risk the collapse of the relationship. The same principle applies to your goals: to say yes to one objective is to say no to everything else that doesn’t support your success.

It’s essential to ensure that the goal you commit to is something you genuinely love—something that invigorates you. Without this passion, maintaining commitment becomes challenging.

All your resources—time, mental and physical energy, and finances—should be directed toward your goal. Remember, you don’t find time; you create it, often by declining many appealing distractions that veer you off course.

Establishing Systems and Habits

The foundation of success lies in the systems and habits you create, which form the roadmap to your goals. Take a moment to reflect on the actions necessary to achieve your aspirations. What specific steps must you take?

Designate a consistent time and space for your goal. Compile a list of everything you'll need and ensure these items are readily available. Make your commitment appealing—what can you do to enhance the enjoyment or sanctity of this process?

Once you choose to commit, adopt an all-or-nothing mindset. Avoid second-guessing your decision; if you skip a day, you re-open the door to indecision, leading to ongoing debates about your commitment. Make that decision once, and stick with it.

Connect with others pursuing similar goals. I often write alongside fellow writers over Zoom; perhaps you can find a group or community that aligns with your aspirations. Consider acquiring a magazine related to your goal to inspire you and foster a sense of belonging. Engaging an accountability partner or a coach can also help keep you motivated.

Once your systems are established, take immediate action. Start with the first step, then the next, and continue moving forward.

Confronting Fear and Doubt

Fear and doubt are inevitable companions on any significant journey.

You can often keep fear at bay by adhering to your systems and taking small, manageable steps. Many fear challenges that seem overwhelming, but if you focus on taking one step at a time, you’ll find yourself better prepared when the more challenging tasks arise. Stay present and concentrate on what you need to do next.

Doubt will periodically surface, and it’s crucial to accept its presence as part of the journey. It may not pan out, but if your goal is truly meaningful to you, you will persist.

“At some level, ‘this might not work’ is at the heart of all important projects, of everything new and worth doing. And it can paralyze us into inaction, watering down our creativity, and preventing us from completing our work. ‘This might not work’ can either be a burden you bear or an opportunity to soar and achieve the remarkable.” — Seth Godin

Embrace this mantra: This might not work, but it’s work worth undertaking.

Key Takeaways

• Being merely interested in something means you engage only when it suits you. True commitment requires no excuses—only results.
• Make the commitment: Say Yes to your goals and No to distractions, even to activities you enjoy.
• Systems and habits are the cornerstones of success.
• Don’t allow fear and doubt to hinder your progress.
• Remember, this might not work, but it’s worth pursuing.