Ditch the Issues with Committing to Yourself

**If you would like to listen to this blog post, scroll to the bottom for the audio version.

I typed in the word commitment into Google. Guess what the number three search was? First was commitment definition, then commitment synonyms and then…

COMMITMENT ISSUES

Not really surprising, is it?

We have a lot of commitment issues as a society. But, I don’t think we have anyone to blame but ourselves for our world’s commitment problems. It takes individuals to get a divorce, to quit a job, to skip out on a diet, to not check in on their friends, to always be looking for the latest and greatest.

Get my drift?

You know exactly what I mean. You commit on Monday, starting that diet and exercise routine and by Friday you are drinking beer and eating your third piece of pizza. Or Monday, you tell yourself this week you are going to tackle your cleaning list and by Friday your list has only grown, not shrunk.

We’ve all been there.

The problem is, it's so frustrating to be in this never ending loop... the loop of, “I commit! I’m excited!”

then, “Screw it. I don’t really care right now.”

To, “Man, I feel miserable. I wish I would have just followed through. Who knows how far I’d be by now?”

And then it starts over again with, “I commit! This time I’ll do it!”

Why commit?  Why start that loop?  

Because when we commit to something and follow through, that’s when we prove to ourselves that we can depend on what we say.

And that's empowering.

Think about a time in which you have actually followed through. (If you’re having a hard time, did you graduate high school or college? Then you followed through.) How good did you feel about yourself?

I bet emotions like accomplished, excited, energized and focused come to mind.

Now, what happens when we don’t commit? We end up feeling like a failure or we’re not good enough. Life feels slow but chaotic. We are drained and usually notice we are pretty low.

Lets compare those two.

Which do you want more of?

Commitment is hard though. I’m not going to sugar coat this. It’s uncomfortable.

So lets go back to the question, why do we even commit?

Really think about this. If it is hard, uncomfortable, awkward, difficult or tough, why do we even start?

It boils down to hope. Not hope in the world’s sense, but hope in the biblical sense. We hope for better.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Oh, I love this verse! It reminds me that when I commit, and even though it is a struggle, in the end I will be strong, firm and steadfast.

That’s the best part about commitment. You may not get the exact results you wanted from the commitment you made, but no matter what you will get some really awesome by products like strength, stableness and perseverance. 

But I don’t want to leave you with just why you should commit. I want to HELP you commit.

Here are my seven steps in making a commitment:

1. Start Small (optional).  If you struggle with keeping a commitment to yourself, start small.  Pick something that slightly stretches you, but you feel like you can attain with just a slight amount of effort. Follow through so you can prove to yourself you can make a bigger commitment and not quit.
2. Refuse confusion. Never tell yourself you don’t know how. God will show you how, you just need to keep moving and let him lead.
3. Make a decision to commit and WRITE IT DOWN. Let others know. This provides accountability. Also, it also helps you clarify WHY you are making this commitment.
4. Make sure the reason WHY you are committing is compelling. This reason is usually bigger than just you but it doesn’t have to be earth shattering.
5. Write down all the obstacles you will likely face when making this commitment. Look at them and decide if those obstacles are bigger than God. If not, pray about how to get through those obstacles.
6. Tell yourself you will be uncomfortable and that’s GOOD. It means you’re making progress on your commitment. Then write down a few bible verses to tell yourself when you are uncomfortable.
7. Take the first small step. Follow through. Pray. Repeat.

Ditch your commitment issues.

Follow these steps.

Commit so that you can feel strong, accomplished, energized and excited. Feel steady and determined in knowing you have tapped into God’s strength and applied it in your life.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

 Now go reap those benefits of commitment.

Have you decided you need to start with a small commitment?  My first suggestion is planning...and why not plan out meals?  This can be a great confidence booster.  Plus, the peace of mind, reduced stress and better eating choices are all added benefits.  I have a great 20-Minute Meal Planning Guide that you can find here to set you up for success!