How to combat the poison of non-commitment
Have you ever wondered why many people find it so difficult to make a commitment to themselves and then actually keep that commitment? What does "commitment" actually mean? It is a commitment to yourself, a self-commitment.
In my workshops, I see time and again that the most difficult step is not the knowledge or the exercises, but the commitment to actually putting what you have learned into practice. Do you know that? You are not alone!
Non-commitment as a vicious circle
Why is commitment so difficult? The reason often lies in the responsibility for the results - even when things are not going so well. This creates a "vicious circle": People are afraid to commit for fear of failure. However, without a clear commitment and full involvement, the likelihood of unsatisfactory results increases. The next time, commitment is then avoided even further.
This mechanism can be seen in companies of all kinds and at all management levels. Decisions are postponed, steps are left unclear and deadlines are not met - all signs of a lack of commitment. However, there are three simple but effective steps that can help you to strengthen your commitment:
1. create clarity
You need to know exactly what you want to commit to. It's not enough to say, "I want to get better at leadership." Be specific, e.g. "I want to learn to listen better." When exactly? At meetings? This clarity is crucial for success. Equally important is the "why". Why do you want to listen better? What impact will this have on you and your team? Without clarity on the "what" and "why", it is difficult to maintain commitment.
2. find an accountability partner
Find someone to hold you "accountable". This can be a colleague, a mentor or a coach - someone who will remind you and give you honest feedback. A good accountability partner will help you stay on track, even when the going gets tough. They remind you of your goals and celebrate your successes with you.
3. schedule and adhere to times
Don't just make a mental commitment, but plan specific time to pursue your goal. For example, if you want to listen better, set yourself the goal for the next meeting of putting down your cell phone and actively listening. For bigger goals, block out regular times in your calendar to work on them. Without fixed times, good intentions often remain unfulfilled.
What now? Now it's your turn! Implement these three steps and watch your commitment and ability to achieve your goals improve. If you lead a team, apply these principles to your employees as well. This will not only help you, but also your team to be more successful.
Author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer, book author, consultant, coach, speaker.www.volkmarvoelzke.ch
