Certainty vs Commitment

How many times have you heard a great idea and someone gave you a logical explanation of why this idea would benefit you to some capacity? You agreed the idea would benefit you and is something you would want to do. You say to yourself, “Yes, this is something that I probably should do, and it’s something that I will do in the near future.” This internal dialogue happens to many people, not just business owners. Think about a decision any decision you had to make. For example, maybe you were conflicted in deciding which Starbucks to go to this morning, knowing the Starbucks on the North East corner of town messed up your order 2 days in a row, you decide to venture to the Starbucks on the North West corner of town. You’re not certain that the Starbucks on the North West corner will get your order right, but there is more certainty in believing they will not make a mistake. Once you’ve made that decision, once you’ve committed to it, you become more and more certain that the decision was right.

Ironically, the reasons we tell ourselves not to do something tend to be the reasons why we should do them in the first place. This inability to come to a decision points at two things, certainty and commitment. What really is the difference between the two?

Each individual person on this earth has to make hundreds of big and small decisions every day. Many of these decisions are opportunities that can potentially hold a heavy impact on your life, yet many of us don’t know how to assess each situation in order to yield a positive outcome. More than just a choice in any given moment, making the right decision takes discipline. Craig Jarrow, the author of Time Management Ninja says, “When you overthink a decision, often you lose the privilege of making that decision in the first place.” Finding a healthy balance when weighing your options before making a decision will lead you to a clear level of certainty. It is important to note, certainty is not something that you can acquire; it’s something you create. These decisions are not about knowing something is absolutely factual. It’s about turning words into action, what are you doing with what you do know? When weighing all of your options, lay them out in front of you, and make a definite choice. Overall, certainty is the sense you get when you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Commitments are what ultimately help you create certainty and putting words into action by following through. You have a choice and a responsibility to decide whether or not you will follow through on your commitments. You might be asking yourself, how does one hold themselves accountable for following through with their commitments? Believe it or not, the answer is quite simple. Take Ownership. When you make a commitment to yourself or someone else, own it. This commitment is now, your truth. Few, But Important. Where most people fall short of following through on their commitments is when they over commit. At the end of the day, you are one person. Don’t overwhelm yourself, instead focus on deciphering which commitments are essential. Be Disciplined. Take charge of your life and be specific! You need a clear finish line. Create A Step By Step Process. The larger the commitment, the larger the responsibility. In order to ensure you are following through to the best of your ability, create a detailed plan for yourself. In other words, set yourself up for success! Let Yourself Win. Acknowledge yourself and your achievements. You hold the power to your life.