February 6, 2023

“People are rewarded in public for what they’ve practiced for years in private.” – Tony Robbins

The first test of commitment is action.

Motion causes friction. When you try to achieve something, no matter how small, you encounter plenty of obstacles and opposition. There will be times when your commitment is the only thing that will keep you going. Perhaps you want everything to be perfect before you are willing to commit yourself. You want to know that things will work out before you start. If that is the case, you will never enter the race.

Everyone gets a chance, but only some take it. Everyone gets knocked down, but not everyone gets back up. Everyone wants to quit, but not everyone does. What is the difference? There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient, and everything works out. When you are committed to doing something, you do it regardless if it is convenient and does not work out.

What kind of person are you … A feeler or a finisher?

“Feelers” want to feel good to finish. “Finishers” want to finish to feel good.

“Feelers” place feeling above finishing. “Finishers” place finishing above feelings.

The ultimate goal for your life is not comfort, but character development. Your character is essentially the sum of your habits. And your habits are connected to our commitments.

Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you, or they can destroy you, but either way, they define you. We become what we are committed to.

There are no shortcuts to maturity. The development of character cannot be rushed. Today we are obsessed with speed but real maturity is never a single experience, no matter how moving or powerful. Growth is always gradual.

Power Statement: Today, I will make commitments that positively affect me and others.

“Intentionally Own It!” Reflection: Think of the times you did not finish. Can you identify the reason/s? Often, we allow our feelings to keep us from finishing. Starting today, what commitment will you make that will add value to your life?

- Adapted from iLead & Rick Warren