John F. Kennedy said: "There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.”
It is only by being “in action” that we can create the results we want in life, including the creation of an extraordinary life experience and results.
What keeps you from taking action?
Generally it's because you try to be reasonable. You think it through. You stick your toe in the water. You check out how others react. All very reasonable steps to take and I'm certainly not advocating that you do dangerous things. It's just that by being reasonable you run the risk of being distracted by events that have more enjoyment or short-term importance and you get off the track toward what you really want to create.
The shift to commitment!
When you are committed you deal with what's most important to you in your life. As my young adult children would say … DUHHH! It’s so obvious!
For example, imagine knocking on a house door and getting no response, though you feel certain someone is home. You wait a reasonable amount of time, then leave.
Now imagine there is a raging fire being wind driven across the yard towards that same house. Your urgency, your compassion and demand for a result is engaged. You bang on the door while shouting, "Fire! Get out!" Your level of commitment brings action that brings the occupants quickly to the door and their lives are saved.
But what if there is no emergency in your life? What if no external force shouts you into action consistent with your priorities? Then where does your commitment come from?
Creating an extraordinary life requires a 100% commitment. Not 99%.
In practice, 99% is the same as zero. Only 100% commitment will actually bring you the results you want in life. Find a purpose, vision and the actions that deserve a 100% commitment and your entire experience of life will change. Helen Keller said “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” I suggest that her life is clearly a model of an extraordinary life we could all learn from.
A less serious metaphor is that a woman is either pregnant or not pregnant. There’s no such thing as 99% pregnant. In our lives, we are committed 100% or we are not. There’s no “half committed.”
My commitment to you includes asking some pointed questions so that you can put these ideas into action:
- What are you committed to this month, this year, in your life?
- What life purpose or vision is so important to you that it engages you at physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels?
- What promise would cause you to tingle with excitement and anticipation?
- What idea would not let go of you until you figured it out?
- What action would automatically bring forth overwhelmingly positive feelings of joy and satisfaction?
- What commitment would mean so much that it would resonate within you at a very deep level; wake you up in the morning; engage you fully?
Comment and let us know of your commitments, your process and your results! Doing so will help you get more clear, acknowledge yourself and inspire all of us!
Robert White is a Transformational Architect for business executives. Founder and CEO of Lifespring, ARC International and Extraordinary People, He’s an experienced entrepreneur, professional speaker, and leadership team trainer.
Want to learn more about gaining powerful leadership skills?
This program can help! Coaching In The Workplace
© 2013 and beyond Executive Coaching University. All rights reserved.
