Today, I want to go over something we talk about but sometimes struggle to achieve: getting what we want out of life. As working moms juggling multiple responsibilities, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of our personal dreams and aspirations.
But here’s the truth: we have the power to create what we want. Yes, ANY result you want is within your reach.
Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, that sounds great in theory, but how do I actually make it happen?” Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today. You see, the reason many people don’t achieve the results they want isn’t because they lack desire – it’s because they haven’t fully committed to making it happen.
Think about it for a moment. How many times have you wanted something – whether it’s advancing in your career, finding more time for self-care, or achieving a better work-life balance – but never quite followed through?
Wanting is easy. It’s passive, comfortable, and safe. But it doesn’t lead to results. It just leaves us stuck in a cycle of longing for something that never materializes.
Committing, on the other hand, is where the magic happens. When you make a true commitment to something, you become laser-focused on the result you want to achieve.
You take action, you overcome obstacles, and you keep pushing forward until you reach your goal. Committing is active, it’s solution-focused, and, most importantly, it creates results.
So, how do we go from merely wanting something to fully committing to making it happen? That’s what we’re here to explore. I’m going to walk you through a step-by-step process that will empower you to make meaningful commitments in your life and turn your desires into reality.
But before we dive into the practical steps, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it is you truly want. What are your deepest desires? What goals do you long to achieve?
By taking inventory of what matters most to you, you lay the foundation for meaningful change.
And let’s be real – making a commitment isn’t always easy. It requires honesty, courage, and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. But trust me when I say that it’s worth it.
When you make a decision to fully commit to something, you unlock a world of possibilities and set yourself on a path towards success.
So, are you ready to stop merely wanting and start truly committing? If so, let’s do this.
This week I’m going to discuss understanding wanting versus committing and the 5 steps to make a commitment.
Understanding wanting versus committing
Alright, let’s break it down: wanting versus committing. We’ve all been there – we want something, whether it’s a promotion at work, more quality time with our family, or finally fitting into those pre-pregnancy jeans.
Wanting things is nice, but it’s like sitting on the sidelines, cheering without actually getting in the game. It’s like saying, “Wouldn’t it be nice if…” but never taking the necessary steps to make it happen.
For example, you may want to advance in your career. You might daydream about landing that corner office or leading a high-profile project, but if you’re not actively pursuing opportunities, networking, and honing your skills, it’s unlikely to happen.
Or maybe you want to go out on your own like the CPA MOMS franchisees. You think about it, maybe even talk about it with others, but you’re not actively taking steps to make it a reality.
The thing about wanting is that it keeps us in a state of passive longing, always wishing for something better but never quite reaching out to grab it.
On the other hand, there’s committing – the game-changer. When you commit to something, you’re not just idly wishing for it – you’re rolling up your sleeves and getting down to business.
You’re saying, “This is important to me, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
My example is wanting to write a book for years. I wanted to write it and even put it on numerous vision boards, but until I committed to writing it, nothing happened. Once I committed, it was written and published within one year, despite wanting a published book in my hand for many years.
Your example might be committing to improving your health and fitness. Instead of just wishing you were in better shape, you start hitting the gym regularly, meal prepping on Sundays, and prioritizing self-care.
You’re taking tangible steps towards your goal, and that dedication is what sets you apart from those who are merely wishing for change.
But here’s the thing – commitment isn’t just about taking action – it’s about sticking with it, even when things get tough. Even in the face of challenges, setbacks, and doubts.
It’s about staying true to your goal, no matter what obstacles come your way.
For example, landing that promotion might require long hours, extra training, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, but if you’re truly committed to advancing in your career, you’ll push through the challenges. Being committed means you keep striving towards your goal, no matter how daunting it may seem.
So, why does commitment matter? Because it’s the difference between wishing for something and actually making it happen.
It’s what transforms dreams into reality and separates the dreamers from the doers. And as working moms juggling countless responsibilities, mastering the art of commitment can be our ticket to achieving the life we’ve always wanted.
The 5 steps to making a commitment
Alright, now I want to share the 5 steps that will set you on the path to achieving your goals and dreams.
Step 1: Take Inventory
First things first, it’s time to take stock of what you really want in your life. This means digging deep and asking yourself some tough questions.
What are your personal passions? What are your professional aspirations? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business, or perhaps you want more quality time with your family. Whatever it is, now’s the time to get clear on your priorities and aspirations.
For example, imagine you’re feeling stuck in your current job and yearning for something more fulfilling. Taking inventory might involve reflecting on what aspects of your work bring you joy, what skills you want to develop, and what type of company culture aligns with your values.
Step 2: Get Honest
Now that you’ve identified your desires, it’s time to get real with yourself. Are you truly willing and ready to commit to making these dreams a reality?
Be honest – this isn’t about what you think you should want or what others expect from you. It’s about what lights a fire in your soul and drives you to take action.
Let’s say you’ve identified a goal of improving your work-life balance. Getting honest might involve acknowledging any fears or doubts that are holding you back from making changes. It might mean confronting the belief that putting yourself first is selfish or unrealistic.
Step 3: Make the Decision
Once you’ve determined what you want and you’re ready to commit, it’s time to make it official. Write it down, say it out loud – whatever helps you solidify your commitment.
Be specific about what you’re committing to and set measurable goals to track your progress along the way. Set self-imposed deadlines to help hold you accountable.
For example, if you’ve decided to prioritize your physical health, you might commit to walking at least 30 minutes every day for 90 days and following up on all those appointments that you’ve been avoiding. When you’re committed to prioritizing your physical health, you’re making a decision and taking the necessary steps.
Step 4: Honor Your Commitment
Commitment isn’t just a one-time decision – it’s an ongoing journey. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when things get tough.
This means staying dedicated to your goals, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. It’s about finding creative solutions, seeking support when needed, and never losing sight of the end goal.
Let’s say you’ve committed to prioritizing self-care, but your schedule gets unexpectedly hectic. Honoring your commitment might involve finding small pockets of time for self-care throughout the day, whether it’s taking a short walk during your lunch break or practicing deep breathing exercises before bed.
Step 5: Re-Evaluate and Re-Affirm
Lastly, commitment isn’t set in stone. It’s important to regularly reassess your goals and commitments to ensure they still align with your values and priorities.
Life is constantly changing, and what was important to you yesterday might not be as relevant tomorrow. So, take time to reflect, adjust as needed, and reaffirm your commitment to your goals.
For example, if your initial goal was to advance in your career, but you find that your priorities have shifted towards spending more time with your family, it’s okay to pivot. Re-evaluate your goals, adjust your commitments accordingly, and reaffirm your dedication to creating a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Let’s go over those 5 steps again – taking inventory, getting honest, making the decision, honoring your commitment, and re-evaluating and re-affirming. I promise that by following these 5 steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the results you desire.
Now I want to go over some questions you can ask yourself as a tool to determine whether you are willing and ready to make a commitment. You’re going to answer yes or no to each:
Am I committed to this result and taking action no matter how long it takes?
Am I committed to this result and taking action even if it gets difficult?
Am I committed to this result and taking action even when it’s uncomfortable to continue?
Am I committed to this result and taking action even if I feel doubt/worry/fear?
Am I committed to this result and taking action even on days when I don’t feel like it or I’m tired?
Am I committed to this result and taking action even if life gets busy and I feel like I “don’t have the time”?
Am I committed to trying as many strategies and approaches as I need to until something works to
get this result?
Am I committed to finding a solution to any obstacle that arises in order to get this result?
If you answered YES to all of these questions, then you are ready to make a commitment that guarantees results. If not, you’ve got a little work to do.
Go back over the questions that you hesitated or said no to and do a little work to get yourself on board.
But don’t beat yourself up; just know that to get what you want, you just have to be truly committed to taking the necessary action, no matter what.
Once you’re committed to getting what you want, you’ve got everything to make your dream a reality.
Summary
Wanting is easy. It’s passive, comfortable, and safe. But it doesn’t lead to results. It just leaves us stuck in a cycle of longing for something that never materializes.
Committing, on the other hand, is where the magic happens. When you make a true commitment to something, you become laser-focused on the result you want to achieve.