“Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep.” Denis Waitley, an American author, lecturer and consultant noted for his work on high performance human achievement. www.waitley.com
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans." Peter F. Drucker, author and professor.
www.druckerinstitute.com
Have you ever noticed that if you make a commitment to a friend, your child, a colleague or employer that you keep that promise? And if you make a promise to yourself that it’s OK if you don’t keep it, especially if it is because you are doing something for someone else?
Why are promises made to others easy to keep and promises made to yourself easy to break?
I think it is because there is a difference between making a commitment and a piecrust promise.
In college, I got up at 6 a.m. to go running – rain or shine. Not because I am a highly motivated person. Truth is I would have preferred to stay snuggled in my bed. No, I got up because I didn’t want to let my running partner down. I made a commitment to her that I would go running with her so I did. As a freelance writer, I have tight deadlines. Truth is I have started writing stories two hours before they were due, but I have met the deadline. Why? I don’t want to let my editor down.
I have made a thousand promises to myself about getting back in shape but haven’t kept them. I will start exercising and then make excuses why I don't have time to exercise – had to take care of kids; dog; job, clean the house, go to the grocery store …
So this year, it’s about making a commitment and setting goals. Here’s my exercise game plan for January:
Week One – Jan. 1 to Jan. 7 – Walk/run for at least 30 minutes at least four days - Mission accomplished - Walked five days for more than 30 minutes.
Week Two – Jan. 8 to Jan. 14 – Walk/run for at least 35 minutes at least four days
-Mission accomplished
Week Three –Jan. 15 to Jan 21 – Walk/run for at 40 minutes for five days - Mission accomplished
Week Four – Jan. 22 – Jan. 28 – Walk/run for at least 45 minutes for five days.= Mission accomplished
Reward for achieving goal: Go see the movie “One for the Money” on Jan. 28 or 29. (Yes, I am a fan of Stephanie Plum and if you are looking for a mystery series that keeps you in stitches check out the books by Janet Evanovich.)
Ways to achieve goal:
1. I put it in writing and by doing so, I made a commitment. If you have an exercise goal, post it on my blog.
2. Make time to exercise. For me, this means getting up earlier and getting it done before the daily demands take over.
3. Find a friend to exercise with.
If you have some tips to share on keeping exercise goals, let me know. And when we all meet our goals, join me to watch “One for the Money.” Theater, time and date to be posted last week of January. Just the Facts:
1. Walked/ran 35 minutes today. I drove my daughter to bball practice, handed her the car keys and walked/ran home.
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