What is Commitment Really?

Many of you are two weeks into your New Year’s resolution – addressing something you want to change about yourself or your life. Merriam Webster's Dictionary, defines “commitment” as: "The act of answering: solving ... a formal expression of opinion, will or intent."

What problem are you trying to solve – being too heavy, too loud, out of shape, bored? What do you believe about this problem or opportunity? What do you REALLY have the will to address? As Merriam says, are you emotionally "impelled" to do it?Impelled implies a force that you need to exert. This is key - and why many resolutions are dead by February 1st.

If you really want to stop or start something - you need a lift off to get you going. Shake up the status quo.

Step 1. Enlisting others for a push, pull or support is critical: your boss, peers, spouse, kids, your best friend or a formal support group.

Step 2. Try.

Step 3. Try again.

Step 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as often as necessary.

Real commitment to a change implies you are convinced about your decision, belief, direction. Your belief must be unshakeable, despite setbacks or falling off focus. Expect these. They will happen.As Mary Robinson, the first President of Ireland said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

"This is commitment - sticking with it - and trying again, and again and again. If it were easy, it wouldn’t require a Commitment. Really. So, yesterday was a miss. What is your “again” today?