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People do not follow uncommitted leaders. Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at personal sacrifice – Stephen Gregg CEO Ethix Corp.

The story of Michelangelo and his four year effort to paint the Sistine Chapel is amazing to study. In his journal he would relate that after four tortured years, more than four-hundred over life sized figures, he commented that he had become old and weary as Jeremiah. He stated that his friends did not recognize him. However, we cannot under estimate the influence that his work has had on others through the years.

The world has never seen a great leader who lacked commitment. Ed McElroy, US Air Force stated, “Commitment gives us new power. No matter what comes to us – sickness, poverty, disease – we never turn our eye from the goal.”

What is the true nature of commitment? Consider these three observations

Commitment Starts In The Heart

Some people want everything to be perfect before they will commit to anything. But commitment always precedes achievement. It is told the winners of Kentucky Derby effectively run out of oxygen after the first half mile, the rest is run with heart. Michael Jordan stated that heart is what separates the good from the great. If you really want to be an effective leader, look into your heart to see if you’re really committed.

Commitment Is Tested By Action

It is one thing to talk about commitment and it is a totally different thing to do something about it. Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them every day.

It was told once about a newly elected judge who had won the office in a special county election. In his acceptance speech he stated, “I wish to thank the 424 people who promised to vote for me. I wish to thank the 316 people who said they did vote for me. I wish to thank the 47 people who came out to vote last Thursday and I wish to thank the 29 who actually voted for me.” How well are you following through on your commitments?

Commitment Opens The Door To Achievement

As a leader you will face many obstacles. Commitment will be the only things that carries you through those difficult days. David McNally stated, “Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down. If you want to get anywhere worthwhile, you must be committed!

When it comes to the subject of commitment there are truly only four types of people.

• COP-OUTS – people who have no goals and do not commit
• HOLDOUTS – People who don’t know if they can reach their goals, so they are afraid to commit
• DROPOUTS – People who start toward a goal but they quit when the going gets tough
• ALL-OUTS – People who set goals, commit to them, and pay the price to reach them

To improve your commitment do the following;

Measure it – Your calendar and your checkbook will tell you whether you are serious about commitment or not

Know what is worth dying for – What are you willing to die for?

Use the Thomas Edison Method – make your dreams public, knowing that everyone just heard your announcement.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE