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Commitment can be said to be “the state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action …” (from the American Heritage Dictionary).
This word, commitment, is not used often in our society. At least, it’s not used seriously. But commitment is necessary for the accomplishing of anything worthwhile. Without it, there is always an “out”, a way to draw back, hesitation. A way to be completely ineffective.
But, once you commit to something, you begin to focus your energies, your thoughts, your entire being to that something. This often will lead to increased creativity and lasting, continuous effort. When this kind of energy is focused on accomplishing something, the results are frequently much better than what you believed they could be.
Without commitment, there are many roadblocks that will surface and prevent you from reaching the goals you set for yourself. You may know you need to practice your techniques for an upcoming sparring match, but without commitment, you can always find something else to do. And what will happen in that sparring match? You will lose. Then you begin thinking negatively, imagining yourself never learning what you need to learn to succeed. Then you quit.
All that without commitment.
But with commitment, you are willing to put in the hours of training and practicing needed to master technique. You’re willing to sacrifice other things in your pursuit of your goals. And sacrifice is necessary.
What are you willing to give up? Television? Electronics? Social media? Going out with the group?
When you’re committed, these things take second or third place. You’re giving the time, energy, thoughts, planning, and effort needed to reach your goal.
How do you get to the point of making this kind of commitment? First, what is your driving reason for making the commitment? It must be strong to push you to do what is needed.
Second, what is your goal? If you can solidly state what it is, you’re much more likely to focus on that goal and meet each step required in order to finally reach the end.
Third, know what you’re going to have to give up. Commitment comes with a price. Be sure you’re willing to pay that price before you start.
Fourth, keep a rein on your emotions. There will be times your emotions will tell you to give up, that it’s too hard, there’s too much work. With commitment, action is what is required. In the martial arts, you learn skills that will help you in all areas of your life. Possibly the most important of these skills is to be committed to reaching your goals. To be successful in mastering the many small steps required to finally get where you want to be.
Shifu Ahles at Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts is ready and able to help you in learning to commit to reaching your goals. Contact him at 201-385-3130 today and get started or started again!
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