A friend made a commitment to show up on Instagram every day for 90 days. She’s mid-way through, and shared recently how difficult it is to show up some days: coming up with something new to say, being on camera when she doesn’t feel like it, wondering if what she’s doing even matters.
I recently passed my 8-year milestone of publishing a daily blog, so to say I can relate is an understatement — although admittedly, I’m not showing up on camera.
She asked me how I do it.
In addition to my daily blog, I haven’t missed a daily workout in over 12 years.
The most common question people ask me is “how do you do it?”
Commitment is always the first thing I say. I made a promise to myself. A commitment to show up. And honoring my commitments is a big component of my identity.
But the truth is, commitment isn’t enough.
You also need to find joy in what you are doing.
Commitment without joy breeds resentment, frustration, overwhelm, bitterness, and dissatisfaction.
To be sure, commitment can help you get through the times when you don’t find joy in the action.
But over a sustained period, commitment without joy will break your spirit.
So, yes: make a commitment and keep it. But also: find the joy in the process.
And if you’re pushing yourself with commitment for too long without joy, that’s a sign you need to make a change in what you’re doing.
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