Section 8: Actually Commit

Overview

For several years I had an interest in learning about personal coaching with the possibility of becoming a full-time corporate coach. I even talked to my bosses about this, attended a few seminars, and read some books. I didn’t progress very quickly or in a clear direction.

So a few years ago, I signed up with a coaching university under a corporate coaching program. The change in my attitude was immediate and dramatic, especially when I declared to my manager that I had made this commitment. Suddenly, I had a clear direction. I promised myself to complete the training program and learn as much as I could.

When I changed groups, I talked with my new manager to ensure she also supported my investment in coaching. Partly because she saw the commitment I had to this area, she helped me expand my knowledge and contribution through coaching individuals and teams.

It is important to make commitments and live up to them. But there is a more powerful approach than just showing your employer how much work you can get done.

The critical impact of making a commitment is on yourself. When you are passionate about something, you do a better job, your productivity improves, and you have more fun. This commitment is something you control. It comes directly from how you choose to direct your attention and energy. You can even choose to commit to something you do not particularly like, and that will help give you energy and make it a less stressful experience.

There is also significant power in making your commitments visible to your boss, your workmates, your customers, and even yourself. The valuable role a personal coach can play is to capture your goals and commitments and keep them visible to you over time. Groups, such as Weight Watchers and Alcoholics Anonymous , use the power of the declaration of commitment, and can create truly life-altering experiences.

You do not need to like or be inspired by every aspect of your job. Everything we do is a combination of great and distasteful––that is part of life. But there is always some value you can get out of any job, and you can commit to getting the most out of it. This helps you to get through the hard and unpleasant times. Maybe you can learn a great deal about how to do the job, or enjoy the people you work with, or explore new skills. If you cannot find anything you can commit to, then commit to finding a new job. It will give you focus and purpose, help you overcome obstacles, and reduce your stress.

Consider two dark sides to making a commitment. First is the chance for failure. That is why you should concentrate on commitments that are truly important to you and will give you great value. That promise of value will help carry you through the hard work, problems, and barriers you will encounter.

The other dark side is that once you commit to something, it can be difficult to let it go. It is healthy to spend extra energy in these situations, and help yourself through the "separation anxiety" that comes from a job change or other shift in your focus. It is like a miniature grieving process that takes time and attention. This is a small price to pay for the extra energy you get from becoming committed to your tasks the rest of the time.

Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.

—Peter Drucker

The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it.

—Mack R. Douglas