One of the ways people get stuck is by speaking in generalities.
Language that is too general lacks the power to hold you accountable to yourself. A crucial element of progress is the ability to be specific in defining your desires and promises.
Yesterday I shared a few concepts about commitment. This is a place where many people tend to speak in generalities.
Statements such as “I am committed” have no meaning unless they are specific. Even “I am committed to making a change in my life” is not specific.
Here’s why it matters:
When we make empty promises to ourselves or others, we can remain stuck and spinning in loops about what to do and how to move forward. An empty promise gives a sense that you have to do something but no target to aim for. All you’ll get is an energy leak.
7 Questions About Your Commitment
Here are some questions I like to ask myself and my clients to make commitments more specific and powerful.
- If you say you are committed, what exactly are you committed to? Be specific.
- What specific result and outcomes are you committed to?
- What’s the process that you are committed to?
- What is the new standard you are setting for yourself?
- How will you ensure you will meet it?
- What are you willing to give up/sacrifice to meet this standard?
- What are you willing to do differently to meet this commitment or make the change you say you want to make?
The next time you find yourself saying “I am committed,” stop and check in with these questions to ensure you know the answers for yourself.
A “commitment” without specifics is not a commitment.
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