We know what works. We use what works as building blocks for the 365 Commitment. Here are the principle elements that in combination become an effective process for positive change and personal growth:
1) Have a vision for yourself, have a goal. Obviously, we need to know where we are going before we can begin the journey. You need a journey because, as far as I can tell, all positive emotion is derived from our perception that we hare getting closer to things we want. Having goals and getting closer to them each day is a fundamental recipe for generalized positivity in life. The commitment you make has to be in relation to something – your goal(s). So, get some.
2) Make a strong Commitment, long term and short term. Commitment seems to have more power or leverage the closer it gets to the present. To me, commitment in the present acts like magnetic force. The closer two magnets are, the stronger the magnetic force between them becomes. The force of commitment can have a powerful effect the closer we are to the moment of action. Your actions in the next moment, in the now, can be strongly influenced by commitment. Use a strong commitment like a powerful magnet to influence and manage your actions in the moment, to determine the very next action you take.
Whereas, gravity works as a metaphor for long term commitments, that is, the force of gravity holds systems together at long distance, solar systems and galaxies for example. Being committed to something a year out is like a gravitational influence, whereas being committed to something that is in the now, right in front of your face, is magnetic in nature. Let your long term commitments order your world, and let the immediate force of commitment drive your actions in the moment. You can commit to something. Make the decision to commit!
3) Focus on creating daily habits that amount to incremental progress toward your goal. One step at a time is how you move toward that vision you have, that goal you deem worthy of suffering for. Habits are the auto -pilot of goal attainment. Get habits!
4) Focus on increments. By this I mean, one day at a time, one action at a time. Be hyper focused in the immediate moment, in the “now.” Whatever it is for you, making your bed, taking that daily walk, treating people and yourself with kindness, daily prayer, daily meditation, building a business, building relationships, whatever it is for you use the strategy of increments, small steps add up. Small increments are things we can handle when the goal seems far away. When you are on that hiking trail and the mountain peak you are headed for seems so far away, just focus on the next step. From the mundane to the transcendent, all goals are reached through many small incremental steps. Get incremental!
5) Write it down every day. Keep track of your incremental progress. This has many benefits. Writing things down helps make them real. Writing things down forces you to focus on and think about your goals and what is important to you. Writing down your list of key things to accomplish amounts to a daily planning and strategy session with yourself. This is a key habit, an example of an incremental behavior that will move you forward toward your goals. You need to write and prioritize daily!
6) Align with the highest good you can imagine through prayer and or meditation. If your goals are NOT in alignment with this concept of the “highest good” then where are they leading to? I don’t think we make up our own values, we discover them. I trust you know, or can find what is good if you seek it. Each morning as you write your list, and make your plan for the day, incorporate prayer to align your effort with that good. Each night check in with yourself and that highest good. How did you do, how can tomorrow be better? For me that highest good is the Judaeo/Christian God. Through prayer I seek that alignment, connection, guidance, and blessing from the transcendent.
The elements of Vision, Commitment, Habits, Increments, Writing, and Alignment with Highest Good are elements on the periodic chart of meaning. All these elements come together in combination to create a process that can break through barriers that have stopped personal growth in the past. We know what works. Work it!
Stay the course for 365 days. See what happens.
Ben Wagner (130)
Member The 365 Commitment
