If you can’t commit to yourself, who can you commit to?

Have you ever had somebody make a commitment to you, then not follow-through with it?  It doesn’t feel good, does it?

Have you ever made a commitment to yourself, then not followed-through with it? That feels even worse, right?

For most of us, keeping our commitments to others is a non-issue. Where we struggle is the promises we make to ourselves. A friend of mine once described integrity as the promises we keep when no one is looking. When we constantly break our promises to ourselves, our integrity muscle begins to weaken.” Over time I’ve discovered that commitment is a skill similar to empathy and patience; it needs to be practiced and  strengthened. When we become someone that keeps his or her word, not only to others but to ourselves, we become more whole and more powerful.

Keeping commitments to yourself is actually a form of self-love.  There is no better way to build up your self-respect than holding yourself accountable.  

At times we need a reboot and reset around commitment, and setting your intentions around commitment is a good place to start.

What’s holding you back from making a decision?  Overthinking?

If you can’t commit to yourself, who can you commit to?

Taking ownership of your life is truly about developing a mindset that you are in control.  It you don’t keep your commitments to yourself, then you ultimately feel less control of your own life.  And no-one enjoys having less control.  

If you were asked to go on a weekend away to a wonderful location, at a beautiful resort to learn, grow and challenge yourself in new ways…would you commit?  Or would you overthink?

For those of you hesitated and didn’t jump off your seat and look for more details to register…you are not alone.  Sometimes traveling makes us nervous, and then top that with surrounding yourself with new people, that might actually freak you out.  

I recently chatted with a dear friend about this very topic.  Why is it a challenge for women to make commitments to themselves?  Now this friend of mine is a tried and true introvert.  She enjoys her own company, and thinks she’s socially awkward (and she will tell you she feels more socially awkward as she gets older).  She is comfortable in a small group of people that know her, but around strangers….she claims she says things that should be a bubble over her head.  I actually find that somewhat relatable….do you?

So here’s my advice to those out there that tend to overthink things…or procrastinate and put them off….

UNDERTHINK! 

‘Underthink’ these commitments you make to yourself.  Do things scared.  This commitment will result in unique experiences you may have never imagined.  Take a moment to reflect on the commitments you make to others.  You tend to keep those commitments, right? Now, it’s your turn to make a commitment to YOU.  

Imagine what it would feel like to just let go. Let go of judging yourself, or worrying about fitting in, of comparing yourself to others and always thinking you’re not good enough.  What would it be like to treat yourself as a guest of honor?  What would it be like to be as kind and loving to yourself as you are to others?

That saying, sprinkle kindness like confetti, holds true for commitment as well. The ripple effect is powerful.  Once you start making commitments to yourself and keeping them….people will begin to notice…and there will be that “I want what she’s having” effect.

What commitments are you willing to make and keep to yourself this week? Tell us in the comments.