Commitments are powerful. Commitments can be life-changing. And yet, why is it so difficult to keep a New Year's resolution, or any commitment to start doing something, or to stop doing something?
Commitments take sacrifice. A lifetime commitment takes a lifetime of sacrifice, just as an annual commitment takes twelve months of sacrifice. In either case, that is a huge emotional hurdle to overcome. Instead of making lifetime commitments, or even annual commitments, try 12-week commitments.
As you might remember, here's how it works:
Select 1-3 areas that you would like to make progress in over 12 weeks. Then, identify an action that will contribute to you achieving your goal; an action that you can take either daily or weekly.
As an example, if I want to "get in shape and lose 15 lbs," I might choose a commitment action of working out 4 times/week. Once you've identified the action, then commit to that action for the next 12 weeks. What you will find is that it is much easier to keep a commitment for 12 weeks than it is for twelve months. The result is that you will experience better results and increased confidence.
Couple your commitment with accountability.
Accountability is perhaps the most misunderstood business concept today. Most people equate accountability with consequences. Everywhere you hear the word "accountable" it is associated with bad behavior, poor performance, and negative consequences. It's no wonder most people try to avoid accountability!
Accountability is not consequences; it's ownership. It is a character trait, a life stance, a willingness to own my actions and results regardless of the circumstances. The very nature of accountability rests on the understanding that each and every one of us has freedom of choice. It is this freedom of choice which is the foundation of accountability. Take ownership of your goals, plans, actions & results.
Be encouraged and finish STRONG!
**Concepts and quotes are taken directly from The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington.