Summary: Have you ever made a commitment to yourself or someone and for whatever reason, didn’t follow through? There are numerous definitions for the word “commitment.” The most basic definition is that of an “act of voluntarily taking on and fulfilling obligations.” This is actually further specified as a “personal” commitment, as opposed to a professional or organizational commitment. The voluntary nature of personal commitment is what makes it so personal. However, this does not mean that a commitment has to relate only to personal interests, such as human relationships or core beliefs. Any objective can be approached with a personal commitment, a voluntary taking on of all obligations. A commitment can be given to any number of projects and causes, including an organization, a team, a faith group, or to another person. What Does Commitment Mean to You? Many successful people in business and life have commented that commitment is a very important factor in individual success. This is usually because the individual is the one that must spearhead his or her own cause for a period of time, at least until others can join in the cause. In order for any venture to be successful, action must first be taken, and commitment is what incites people to action. Commitment involves not only pledging one’s self to a purpose, but also practicing this system of belief on a regular basis. Defining commitment as persistence alone would be inaccurate; it is persistence with a purpose or goal, and built upon a foundation of logic that is closely linked with a person (or group’s) core beliefs. Some of the most successful businesspersons in modern times, as well and throughout history, are people that have been described as “committed” to their career or cause. They are usually not people of exceptional genius, nor have they built an empire based on dumb luck. They are individuals that have held firmly to a set of commitments and seen these commitments through. One could even say that these commitments, though largely professional, have been religiously followed through. Religious devotion is a powerful thing, as it can bring a man willingly to his deathbed, perhaps even giving him a state of calm and esoteric happiness. This same devotion, this commitment, is applicable to any field. It all depends on how passionate and committed the individual is to making the project work. Many great minds in contemporary society are more than willing to share their secrets with the masses. After all, since they already have acquired a fortune, what would they have to gain by protecting their secrets of personal and professional improvement to the grave? There are about four recurring commitments that are mentioned by these elite members of society. When you analyze these commitments you will notice that they are not that “secretive” at all, rather, disciplines based upon common sense. 1. First, one must be committed to a set of values or beliefs. As previously stated, a person’s belief system is the foundation upon which all knowledge and experience is built. The principles that define the individual or organization should be unique and head in a primary direction. This is where vision and purpose begins. 2. The second commitment is to one’s own self, specifically in the role of becoming a leader. Whether you want to be a leader or are a leader or not, you must have a strong sense of personal integrity as well as self-confidence and a willingness to seek self-improvement. 3. Another commitment that is important in professional and personal improvement is that of pursuing the interests of an audience. This audience could be a variety of different markets, from clients to readers to fellow business acquaintances. This “market” is colloquially referred to as “the people”, the ones that you strive to serve. 4. The final commitment reviewed is that of allegiance given to an organization and seeing the results of its labor. Thi
