I define ‘resolution’ as an acknowledgment of some ACTION you need to take. Isn’t that what most people promise themselves every New Year, to do something better or differently?
So the first few weeks of the year a lot of focus is placed on the New Year resolution because it is customary for you to use this as a major turning point in your life and the pressure builds to fulfill that promise.
Been there, done that.
Yup, every year I made myself a promise and every year I would revert to the same thing I was doing only weeks before feeling guilty because I ‘failed’.
But today it’s different,
there is no longer pressure because I haven’t changed my focus or resolution since 2005. In fact, that was the last year I officially made a resolution…but, it wasn’t until February of that year I actually put myself in action to commit.
Lazy Promise or Commitment?
As I mentioned, my resolution became commitment about six weeks into 2005. I remember sitting at my desk (at my previous company) shaking my head thinking “am I going to do this?” & my resolution commitment STARTED as most others were falling back into the old routine again. Was I disappointed or guilty because I was starting this late? No – I was proud to finally reach the commitment stage.
I think there is too much pressure on making a resolution – if you are going to change your life it only takes you one SECOND to do it; but it may takes years of promises to get there. Isn’t that really the truth?
Think about skydiving for moment; once you commit to this, there is no turning back; when you go up, the only way you are getting to the ground is by jumping. They won’t bring you back down because you chicken out, uh-uh, they will cut the engine in the plane if they have to. So you had better be sure you want to do this.
That’s what commitment is. And that is why so many people avoid sky-diving for one. Your sky-diving could be anything, but let’s focus on Real Estate investing.
What’s Changed For You?
I ask this in the most positive respectful way, because I challenge those who tell me they are going to make the leap starting January 1st. What has changed in your life from two weeks ago to this week, to make you take ACTION? Are you ready to commit to your jump? Is turning the calendar over the push you needed to commit?
I would suggest nothing has changed – your mind was actually made up a long time ago and maybe, just maybe, everything building up to this point is what makes you commit today.
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You know what you WANT – that’s easy
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You know what you SHOULD do – that’s harder
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You know what you WILL do – that’s reality
But it’s the key. YOU already know what you WILL do right?. You can’t fool yourself and it’s why you HAVE to get to the commitment stage to move past the PROMISES.
People see the commitment in my eyes and I realized it even more when Neil Uttamsingh of First Rental Property pointed it out in this article. When YOU have the “Eye of the Tiger” people will notice and the pressure is gone, it’s gone because you are willing to to anything to win.
But, if you are missing the PURE, HONEST, BURNING PASSION to commit to your promise … YOU ARE NOT READY…yet! And, you need to keep training (educating) yourself to move forward.
I’ll be the first one to tell you that because I’ve been there so many times myself. I trust in truly believing in myself FIRST.
Are You Committed?
SO, should this be your year, fantastic – let’s go – let me help – I’ll be your accountability partner. Send me an email and I’ll help keep you accountable for your actions – I’ll answer your questions to get you going, whatever it is. Tell me what you are going to do in 2011 for your Real Estate investing and together let’s commit!!!
I think you've hit the nail on the head! New Year's resolutions are usually only followed for the first few weeks. I like your plan to stay committed, no matter when it is.
Thanks Jennifer! New Year's resolutions never worked for me so I'm only giving those with the same fallout another option 🙂
Preach it brother! Decide. Commit. Succeed. is an adage I got from Tony Horton and its action takers and overachievers who understand and live by this!
LOL – thanks Oliver!! I wasn't familiar with Tony before thanks for bringing that to my attention. You are living proof it obviously works!!!