“There’s always a way- if
you’re committed”
Tony Robbins
A lot of people consistently grumble about not getting something; about not
accomplishing their goals; and about all the hurdles and problems that make
their life “oh so difficult”.These people would immediately quit complaining the
moment they realized that: we don’t get what we want; we only get what we are
committed to. Unless you are fully committed to something, you don’t have a hope
in the world of bringing your desires into reality.
Commitment goes beyond “merely being interested” in something. To commit to
something means hindering other possible alternatives while focusing all your
attention and efforts on one ultimate objective. This is important because this
“focus of attention” provides a sense of certainty that specific outcomes will
be realized.
When you commit you make asignificant decision to burn your bridges and pursue
one clear path towards your desired destination. Though, in order to get to that
end destination, you need devotion, patience, discipline, and will power to do
whatever it takes despite difficulties, discomfort and the inconveniences you
will experience along your journey.
When you’re committed you don’t abandon because abandoning means you will fail
to achieve your desired outcomes, and this is just too painful to even
contemplate. And so you persist and take chances along your journey, fully
realizing that without some risk your goal will always remain a fleeting dream —
so close, yet clearly out of your reach.
The moment you break a commitment is the moment you are sending a message to
your brain that you are incapable to follow-through with the promises you make
to yourself. And because your brain is being conditioned in this way, this means
that the next time you commit to something, your brain will habitually expect
that you won’t follow-through with your promise, and as such it will figure out
a way to break that commitment.
You must distinguish the difference between a commitment and the act of merely
being interested in something. When you’re merely interested in something you
have a very foggy idea of what it will take to achieve your desired outcomes. In
other words, you have absolutely no idea what you’re getting yourself into.
However, when you are committed to something, you have a very clear idea of what
lies ahead on your journey; the sacrifices you must make; the resources you must
acquire; and how you’re going to respond to the challenges that await. And
that’s all about clarity. It’s about gaining the clarity you need to decide
whether or not you have what it takes to commit to this journey.
Downsides often come in the form of potential sacrifices you might need to make
in order to follow through with your commitment. You might, for instance, need
to sacrifice time, money, or resources. There might also be an opportunity cost
where committing to this path could mean that you can’t focus on other things.
The resistance you experience will, of course, be unique to your situation. As a
matter a fact there might be a myriad of reasons why you are resisting making a
wholehearted commitment. However, don’t despair, because there are certain
things you can do that can help you raise your levels of commitment
successfully. To commit yourself first and foremost to your decision and action,
and then while you’re moving forward and building momentum, that’s when you can
bring a little hope to help give you that extra encouragement during difficult
moments of your life.
Let go of complaining or making excuses. Just accept things as they are and take
full responsibility for your life, circumstances, and problems — whether you
shaped them or not.