Commitment is the ingredient of success

I GOT into a spot of bother with my wife this week. She was a little put out that I wasn’t spending enough time with her. It was true.

I did make some effort to assuage her irritation, and found ways of ensuring that I carved out more time to spend with her.

But, to be honest, I am very fortunate. I have a sympathetic and understanding life partner in my wife. My busy-ness is because I am starting a new business, and when I get into “launch-mode”, I become quite single-minded.

However, I still wanted to explain things to her. I needed her to know that while I was testing models, meeting suppliers, ideating with my partners and collaborators, I would be less accessible to her.

While reflecting on how to do this properly, quite by chance, I stumbled on an engaging webinar.

It was by “New York Times” best-selling author John Assaraf, one of the world’s leading behavioural and mindset experts.

He explained the difference between being interested in something, and being committed to it.

The gist of what he argues is that if you are interested in something, you will do what is convenient. However, if you are actually committed to it, you will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

As I thought on what he suggested, it dawned on me that every successful thought leader I know, in all spheres of life, exhibited unrestrained traits of a committed person.

How does this difference manifest itself in our daily living?

Let’s take my new venture as an example.

The genesis of this business stems from an everyday problem that I encounter in the neighbourhood that I live and work in. It made me think about a solution for me, and perhaps even others in my locality.

I did some research, bounced ideas off others, and created a plan.

If I was driven just by an interest, this is the point at which the project would have come to a standstill.

I have been in numerous situations where ideas are generated, research gets done, proposals are crafted, and then nothing happens.

It is fairly “convenient” to do this part of any potential new undertaking.

With my venture, the ideation, reflection, and analysis stage has led to tangible action, but only because I am totally dedicated to the goal of solving this particular problem.

Instead of working on the project for an hour or two each day as I navigate my regular work, I find that I am working consistently by finding more time to devote to this venture.

I notice that I am not procrastinating. Rather, I am focusing on what is important, and strategically prioritising my schedule.

As the assignment gained momentum, I became aware that I lack expertise in some areas for this new venture. I chose not to make excuses, but focused on learning new skills and forging alliances with others to overcome this shortage of know-how.

I know that I can’t say for certain if this business will be a roaring success. However, I can say without hesitation that I will take complete ownership for the outcome, because I am committed to the goal.

Commitment plays a pivotal role in your work-life. Success at work starts with your purpose drive, and mindset. Limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the proclivity to conjure up excuses will halt your progress, or blow you off course.

Both at work and in my business life, my purpose-drive is centred on being relevant and adding value to others.

I know that my personal value is only measured by what I can do for others. I also know from experience that many successful people start with vague feelings and notions of offering some value-centric solution, which then manifests into concrete businesses. These people are effective at doing this because they are purpose-driven.

At your workplace, your actions will reflect your purpose. If your purpose is ambiguous or uncertain, it will show in your attitude and work product.

I repeatedly remind my readers in my weekly columns that your sense of purpose is shaped by the things you believe in, and value. When you have a strong sense of purpose, you will develop a personal code of behaviour. And, your connection to purpose will help you live by these beliefs, and values.

If you want to know whether you are just interested in your career or actually committed to it; think about what you have done today, this week, and perhaps over the past year.

Your actions actually reveal the answer.

The obstacles you choose to face and overcome are an indicator of your commitment level.

Author of “The One Minute Manager”, Kenneth Blanchard, wrote, “When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses only results.” Are you committed?

Commitment plays a pivotal role in your work-life. Success at work starts with your purpose drive, and mindset. Limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the proclivity to conjure up excuses will halt your progress, or blow you off course.