How to Know If You’re Committed
How do you know if you’re committed to something? Is this even something you can measure? Co-authors Steve Chandler and Trevor Timbeck have a fascinating way of looking at both of these questions. In their book The Power of Systemes: How to Create a Life That Works, Steve uses visiting Chicago as an example to illustrate what he means by commitment:
“Now how do I know it’s a commitment? Because of the power of my internal voice when I think it and shout it with emotional passion and conviction?
Not really.
It’s really because I have a system that guarantees the fulfillment of this commitment. Without a system, it’s not a commitment any more—not a true commitment.
My system is simple:
I buy tickets.
I put the flight date on my calendars.
I arrange for a place to stay in Chicago.
I arrange for transportation to the airport.
I pack my bags the night before the flight, and
I set two alarm clocks in the house so I’ll be up and awake in time to get to the airport.
What part of that process includes my feelings and self-doubts? What part relies on self-confidence and self-esteem? I can’t find that stuff. It is nowhere to be found in the system.
This system is followed, and can always be followed, no matter what my psychology is doing. I can feel upbeat or down. I can be happy or sad. I can be focused or spacy—and still arrive in Chicago.”
This passage shows us a way to measure how committed we are by looking at what system we have put in place. This week, I invite you to explore:
What is something that I am trying to change about my life? What is my current system for creating that change? How well is it working? In what ways would I alter my system to guarantee that the change happens?
God bless,
Dan
