The Power of Commitment - Where Extraordinary Results Are Bo

Happy New Year again. I hope your first week was great.

Today I want to talk about New Year’s Resolutions (NYR’s for short). I don’t believe I’m the first to tell you about all the hype and habits regarding NYRs. I don’t know what you think I might say about starting the New Year with them. But here’s the deal - you don’t need ‘em and you really don’t want ‘em. They die out faster than goldfish in a plastic bag. (Wait… that’s a bad example… my goldfish is now almost 2 years old). J They spoil faster than milk left out on the counter on a hot day in July.

What you want instead are commitments. Commitments have a few ingredients that lead more reliably to greater success. However, commitments are also subject to the wear and tear of society, circumstances and an endless barrage of internal dialog.

So here are some elements to a formula for successful commitments.

A) A clear, SMART goal

B) An understanding of the purpose of your goal.

C) Willingness to do whatever it takes to reach your goal – really to apply, if handled responsibly, exhaust all possibilities and all your passion and energy to make it happen. And then some.

D) (somewhat to the contrary), a loose sense of flexibility for the goal to occur.. OR NOT… but the purpose will be furthered and you’ll learn at every turn.

Bold and challenging business goals require commitment to overcome obstacles and fear. For example, one of my clients, a professional sales person in financial services, was told “you’re not management material.” But he was committed to get the promotion. So he did what it took to make more sales, and he rose up the leader board. He also practiced being a leader and contributor to his peers, and he created a buzz about his mentoring and generosity of spirit. But importantly, he buttressed his commitment by doggedly asking the powers that be, “what else do you need to see.” A few months later, he was promoted to district manager for a sizable quadrant of the US market! Not bad for someone who was told not to bother.

So what are you committed to for this year?