True Confessions: Commitment, Consistency and Goal Achievement

I made a commitment to write in my blog everyday for 30 days (Nov 17 – Dec 16). I did this for several reasons:

1. To get more of my thought leadership public.
2. To strengthen my commitment muscle.
3. To unclog my mind, unblock my writing and be more consistent with it.

Today is day 31 – and I am celebrating that I did not miss a day – even over the Thanksgiving holiday! Goal Achieved! Woo hoo! While some days I may have posted at 10 pm, it still made it on that calendar day. Given all the other things I juggle, this was a huge commitment and achievement for me.

Before, I committed, I didn’t give this particular goal a lot of thought – as I typically would with such a commitment that required a daily consistent practice. I noticed an invitation email the day before the challenge was to begin. I said, I’m in, I’m going to do it. I had no plan – unlike me. I just said, I’ll figure it out as I go along.

After I said yes, my questions and fears began swirling: Would I have enough to say? Would anyone read it? Would anyone care? How am I going to do this with all I have going on? Is this really what I should be focused on right now? What if I set this goal and didn’t achieve it? It was more about my doing something I set out to do that I knew would translate to other places in my life where I need to channel more of this commitment energy.

A couple of times I wrote more than one blog entry in a day, and I had a few topics that I explored over several days. But generally, I allowed topics to surface on a daily basis. I felt like a hiker wandering in the woods, being guided by my internal GPS.
Here is what I experienced and learned:

1. When it’s not an option to not do it, I found a way – to find content or make the time.
2. Trust the process: On days when I had little time, suddenly an article surfaced that moved me so I felt compelled to write about it.
3. The more I wrote, the more ideas flowed. I started a writing journal to capture my thoughts for headlines for posts and ideas to be developed.
4. The practice of writing and reflecting helped me get clearer on my priorities and my message to the world.
5. The act of writing for public consumption forced deeper reflection and commitment.
6. Writing allows me to better connect to myself and how I process my life and my work.
7. I heard from people I didn’t know who found value in what I had to say, which gave me further encouragement.
8. I heard from former clients, colleagues and friends who found posts helpful.
9. It helped to know 3,000 people in my blogger community – learntoblog – were also taking this challenge. When up against a huge challenge, I really need to get support and energy from others because I do have moments of doubt, fatigue, etc. – and that is okay! Plan for it and expect it.
10. I need to trust my inner guidance (intuition) more. It will deliver even when I (my mind) doubt I can.
11. Any worthwhile challenge is going to push me beyond what I think my limits are.

So, I addressed all three reasons of why I took the challenge:

1. I got feedback that my thought leadership was of value.
2. I came through on my commitment.
3. My mind is unclogged and writing is flowing. Now, if I can just fix my kitchen sink that clogged today. 

Here is my plan going forward: To continue to write in my blog at least twice a week (magic Mondays and Follow up Fridays) and as the spirit moves me on other days. I will channel the daily writing into completing my book, which I have been challenged with finishing this year – a 2015 goal not achieved. I am giving myself another chance – another year. The difference this next year is me – my commitment and consistency with action and getting the supports I need when I have my moments of waver.

Here is what I now know for sure: When I make something a non-negotiable, I always find a way through any challenge or obstacle. Commitment is willing myself to take action, especially when it’s hard. When this happens to reach out for support and I will get it. It’s working with my wavering commitment that makes all the difference in my results.

Where do you notice a little waver you need to bolster? What resources do you have to help you with reinforcing your commitment?

I work with leaders to give them the support they need to discover the insight, strength and resiliency within themselves to overcome any obstacle or challenge. Since you can’t give away what you don’t have, I continue to challenge and strengthen my muscles in these areas as well. We always have the next level of growth to be realized!

You may contact me for a complimentary 30-minute strategy session as you plan for the New Year.

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