Commitment keeps you on target.
The world has never seen a great leader in the world or in business who has lacked commitment. If you want to be an effective leader, you have to be committed. Why? True commitment will attract and inspire people. They are attracted to your conviction.
To lead others you have to believe you must believe in your cause before they will buy into you. People buy into a leader and then a vision. In my experience in business and life, sometimes the vision comes first. If people buy into a vision that you present they will start being committed to you.
Commitment Versus Involvement
What is the true nature of commitment? Before we start on that I want you to think about something. Very often, people fake themselves out. They confuse involvement with commitment. Involvement may be a one time investment of time but commitment is about a consistent investment of time and being persistent in overcoming obstacles.
Some people take a test and pass. Others take a test and fail. Some people start a project. Some people finish it. Commitment is the cornerstone of long-term success. The people who pass the test or finish the project are showing commitment. Involvement will get you started but commitment will carry you across the finish line to success.
Commitment – It Comes From The Heart
I have read that the in the Kentucky Derby, the winning horse effectively runs out of oxygen after the first half mile, and he goes the rest of the way on heart. If you want to make a difference in other people’s lives as a leader, look into your heart to see if you’re really committed.
In the business world, whether you are a self-employed business owner, entrepreneur, solo professional, corporate manager or corporate executive the people who are following you must see that your heart is into what you are doing.
In my personal business coaching practice I have seen time and time again that passion from the heart will overcome obstacles and bring small business success. When things are bleak you must have heart to carry yourself and others through to a successful conclusion.
Commitment-It’s In The Action
Earlier, when looking at involvement versus commitment it is the intensity of the action and the consistency that separates the two. There is nothing wrong with involvement. But to succeed we must understand that involvement in the first step to commitment and ultimately the personal and business success we desire.
You can say all the words. But, if you don’t back them up with action then they are nothing and people will stop following you as a leader.
Commitment Is The Pathway To Achievement
One thing is for sure as a leader. If you are looking for obstacles and opposition you will find it as a leader. And when you have obstacles and opposition commitment is the only thing that will carry you forward.
Thomas Paine in promoting the American Revolution in 1776 wrote about “summer soldier and the sunshine patriot.” He was exhorting people to have commitment. War is tough and without commitment it is not possible to win.
As you go through every day practice the commitment to win; The commitment to win in achieving your goals and dreams. Work makes life sweet, purposeful and fruitful but only if we approach it with commitment.
