This is the third installment of my three key principles behind making and keeping life-changing commitments. I have made and kept several 365-day-long commitments, and as part of that process, I have learned what I consider the most important of these three principles.
Every day is Every Day.
You cannot be committed part-time. You cannot be committed some of the time. A commitment is a full-time, all-in effort. This means that no matter what is going on, no matter the excuse, you keep your commitment to each and every day.
Even if you barely keep the commitment, you just come in across the finish line by crawling on your hands and knees; you keep the commitment. When you write down your commitment, you then resolve to keep the tiny habits associated with that commitment every day, with zero exceptions.
This is what is called consistency. In other circles, it is called discipline. Whatever you name it, the concept is the same. You do it. No matter what.
Consistency
Consistency is the cornerstone of keeping commitments because it transforms sporadic efforts into enduring habits. When you commit to an action consistently, it becomes ingrained in your daily routine, reducing the mental effort needed to initiate the task each day. This habitual consistency ensures that the commitment is not just a fleeting aspiration but a stable, integral part of your life. Additionally, being consistent helps to build momentum; the more regularly you perform an activity, the more natural it becomes, and the greater the likelihood of sticking with it long-term. Consistency also fosters a sense of reliability and trust in oneself, which is crucial for self-confidence and motivation. By maintaining a consistent approach, you effectively reinforce the commitment every day, embedding it deeply into your behavior and mindset, which is essential for achieving any long-term goal.
The Nike Ad
The iconic Nike advertisement featuring a runner heading out for a run amidst the chaos of an apocalypse powerfully exemplifies the essence of commitment. This striking visual metaphor captures the relentless spirit and unyielding determination that true commitment demands. It illustrates that commitment means adhering to your goals regardless of external circumstances. Just as the runner laces up and steps out into a world falling apart, a committed individual remains steadfast to their routines and objectives, even when conditions are far from ideal. This ad underscores the idea that commitment isn’t contingent upon convenience or perfect conditions; instead, it’s about maintaining course even when faced with adversity, embodying the core message that there are no valid excuses when you are truly dedicated to your pursuits. This level of dedication, as depicted in the ad, is what turns ordinary endeavors into extraordinary achievements.
In this final installment of our exploration into the key principles of making and keeping life-changing commitments, we have delved into the paramount importance of consistency—a trait that is both a discipline and a lifeline for those dedicated to profound personal growth. The concept of “Every day is Every Day” underscores that true commitment is unwavering, unrelenting, and uncompromising. It’s about showing up for yourself, day after day, regardless of the external conditions or internal doubts. This kind of commitment is not just about sticking to a schedule; it’s about embedding a deep, persistent drive within oneself to adhere to a set path, even when it’s strewn with obstacles.
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