How many times have you started out with great enthusiasm to accomplish something to find that you run out of steam within a few days or weeks? New years resolutions are obvious examples of this in most people’s lives. What has caused this sudden lack of focus and eagerness to pursue what appeared initially to be of vital importance to you?

In simple terms I believe the reason is that the transition from enthusiasm to full on commitment was not made. Enthusiasm is great in that it can get us out of the starting blocks, focusing on a positive future and propelling us into change. Unfortunately, enthusiasm fades quickly. Other demands are put on us and we are forced to divert our attention to other areas of our lives and the lives of those around us. If we rely on enthusiasm alone, it is unlikely that any worthwhile and significant goal or outcome would ever be realised. We have also learned that the easiest person in the world to let down is ourselves and it is OK to quit because we have a bag full of excuses available to be called on that will justify quitting. The bottom line is, we quit because we don’t care enough.

In order to maximise the chance of successfully achieving our goals, we need to be committed to them. Enthusiasm can be faked, real commitment cannot.

So how does one go about moving from enthusiasm to commitment?

1. Challenge and resolve your self-limiting beliefs. Quiet often we set targets for ourselves knowing deep down that we are going to fail and when the going gets tough we find a big pile of circumstances that support this belief. We do this because it gives us a reason (excuse) not to change, to retain the status quo and not break out of our comfort zone. As Henry Ford said “If you think you can or think you can’t; you’re usually right”.

So ask yourself honestly what belief would prevent you from achieving this goal? Am I afraid of failing, rejection, the unknown, or even succeeding? Now challenge these beliefs and look for times in your life when you didn’t fail, were not rejected etc. Replace this self-limiting belief with a more empowering belief and repeat this to yourself as often as you can until such time as it is engrained in your sub conscious. We are what we focus on. A very good example of how disabling a self limiting belief can be was demonstrated very clearly recently in the reality TV show the X factor where amateur singers audition for the top price of a Eur1million recording contract. One contestant from Manchester kept saying to the judges, her family and the cameras, “I have failed at everything I have done in my life”. She believed she was a failure and her performance reflected this. Ironically she appeared to have a devoted mother and sister and a doting fiancée so obviously she had something going for her and was not a failure in her family’s eyes. If she only started asking herself some empowering, positive questions, I am convinced she would be a totally different person.

2. Take time to quantify specifically the reasons this goal is so important to you. Paint a vivid, vibrant picture in your mind of the future when you have achieved your goal. The brighter and bigger this picture is, the better. When you are confronted with a setback or a challenge instead of dropping your head and letting doubt set in, focus instead on this picture you have painted and take time to reflect on the reasons this goal is so important to you. Gather yourself and get going again.

3. Make a decision. Decide that you are committed to achieving your goal and will do whatever it takes to make this goal a reality. Tell other people who will support you about your goal; making a commitment to someone else is a great motivator. We are 7 times more likely to follow through on something we commit to someone else than we are to so something we just commit to ourselves. When sharing your goal with others use positive energetic language. Instead of saying “I will try to get the promotion” say instead “I will get the promotion”. Leave no room for uncertainty and ambiguity.

I will leave you with a quote from Vince Lombardi (1913-1970). “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour.”

GOOD LUCK!