Every time we make a commitment to do something, we create an opportunity to shape our world through our actions. As bestselling author and educator Stephen Covey put it, “Integrity is making reality conform to your words.”
The catch is that it’s so much easier to make a commitment than it is to actually follow through and keep it. Life gets busy. We get distracted. We may honestly forget that we even had that conversation.
If you find it challenging to keep the commitments that you make, start by taking a pause every time you notice yourself saying that you will do something. First, ask yourself if you really want to do what’s being asked of you. If not, it’s OK to say no. Otherwise, try to imagine what the task at hand will look like. Where will you be? Who will you be with? What resources will you need? Make yourself a note or block out time on your calendar.
Keeping our commitments shows that we value the people to whom we have made promises, and that is well worth the effort. It builds trust and solidifies integrity. Perhaps best of all is the freedom that comes with declining to do the things we have no intention of actually doing. When we commit our energy to tasks that are important to us, and then follow through on them, we fill our lives with meaning and purpose. But don’t take our word for it: Below are 13 encouraging quotes on making and keeping commitments.
There is but one acceptable degree of commitment — total.Gary Ryan Blair, motivational author
You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.Sammy Davis Jr.
Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.Ralph Waldo Emerson
Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.Marcia Wieder, motivational author
Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.Mario Andretti, racing driver
The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.Vince Lombardi, football coach
We should remain true to our course; which may mean committing yourselves to things that people around you would normally disapprove.Olehile Fischer Thataone, writer
Make small commitments and keep them. Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.Stephen Covey, author and educator
Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.Paul J. Meyer, motivational author
Commitment is an act, not a word.Jean-Paul Sartre
An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.Mae West
Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose — and commit myself to — what is best for me.Paulo Coelho
We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.Cornel West
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