Decide if you are willing to commit
Know what it takes before you say yes to a goal.
Every goal requires time and often money. You can only spend them once, so some things you value might have to be set aside. Planning to hit the gym three times a week? You might have to skip some socializing. Trying to save a significant amount of money? You might need to cut back on indulgences like eating out weekly. You may also face physical or emotional challenges. Regular gym sessions can leave you sore. Sticking to a tight budget can bring stress or frustration when unexpected expenses appear.
Committing to a goal is like deciding to run a marathon: you must be willing to do the work to get in shape.
1️⃣ Get clear on what it takes
Before you commit to a goal, get clear on the sacrifices it will require. Find out exactly what you are saying yes to.
👉 Estimate how much time and money you’ll need. For example, training for a marathon might take two hours every morning, learning a new language could require 30 minutes of focused study each day, and starting a business might mean spending $200 a month on materials and marketing.
👉 Anticipate physical and emotional challenges. For example, training for a marathon might leave you sore and tired after long runs, learning a new language could be frustrating when you struggle to remember words, and starting a business might bring stress when unexpected problems arise.
👉 Consider what you might need to give up. Hitting the gym three times a week might mean skipping some social events, or saving money could require cutting back on nonessential spending.
If needed, break the goal into smaller steps to see exactly what each part will require. Look at what others have done to understand the time, resources, and potential challenges involved.
2️⃣ Get clear on what you are willing to commit
Be honest about what you’re willing to commit to reach your goal. Consider these:
👉 Reflect on the time and money you are able and willing to invest. For example: “Set aside 30 minutes each morning for exercise,” “Save $50 from each paycheck,” or “Spend one evening a week learning a new skill.”
👉 Think about the obstacles or discomforts you are prepared to overcome in pursuit of this goal. For example: “Get up earlier even though I’m not a morning person,” “Push through the frustration of learning a new skill,” or “Say no to things that pull me away from what really matters.”
👉 Consider which activities you are willing to reduce or give up to make room for this goal. For example: “Spend one hour less on social media each day” or “Go out to eat only once a month instead of weekly.”
👉 Think about the things you value most and aren’t willing to compromise, even in pursuit of this goal. For example: “I’m not willing to miss family dinners,” “I’m not willing to sacrifice sleep regularly,” or “I’m not willing to give up time for my hobbies or personal downtime.”
👉 Consider the consequences of not reaching your goal. This can increase your motivation. For example, if you don’t exercise regularly, you might feel low on energy or face health issues as you get older. Continuing to smoke could harm your lungs and overall health. This helps remind you why being committed matters.
3️⃣ Decide if you are willing to commit
Once you know what it takes and how committed you are, decide if this is a goal you want to pursue. If you’re unsure or feel like you’re doing it to please others, you may not be fully committed yet. A strong inner drive, the motivation that comes from within, makes it more likely you will follow through on the sacrifices required. When you commit, do it fully, with eyes open and realistic expectations.
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Commit with clarity. Accept the sacrifices, face the discomforts, and give your all. Your effort determines the results you achieve.
