Chapter 1: Understanding Commitment

Commitment is about embodying the person you envision for yourself without hesitation. It’s about stepping into your future now.

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By Mike Kitko

Throughout my journey, I've never seen anyone who fully dedicates themselves to a goal fail. Commitment is a profound state of being, often perceived as attracting the universe's support. In a sense, commitment generates what some might call luck.

What does it truly mean to be fully committed? Let's delve deeper.

The Power of Vision

Before anything, clarity on what you wish to commit to is essential. In my coaching practice, one of the initial tasks I undertake is to help individuals crystallize their aspirations, achievements, and desired life experiences. This foundational work is vital, as many can articulate what they don’t want, yet few can specify what they truly desire. Once you ascertain your true desires, the path forward becomes much clearer.

Your life's vision comprises various elements. I particularly emphasize areas such as health, financial well-being, personal success or impact, and the strength of your closest relationships. Often, when clients explore these domains, they can list some goals, but reaching a decisive understanding requires a deeper level of clarity. I encourage them to articulate the feelings associated with their envisioned life. How do they feel upon waking? What emotions arise when making a difference in the world? How do they feel in their healthy bodies, with their financial success, and in their relationships?

This emotional aspect is crucial since our desire for change stems from an expectation of altered internal states. Clarity around how you want to feel is vital; otherwise, you risk missing the essence of creating new circumstances.

When you review your cohesive and inspiring vision, you should feel a surge of emotion. An emotional connection indicates the vision is alive within you, evoking excitement for the life ahead. My vision often brings me to tears, filled with anticipation for what’s to come, which signals its effectiveness. I refer to this as your inspired vision.

Once you have this inspired vision and a clear understanding of your desires and feelings, the next step is identifying the actions necessary to bring it to fruition.

Taking Inspired Action

To effectively progress, you must engage in inspired action—not just any action. Inspired action is what you "get to" do to propel yourself forward. By examining your vision closely, you'll intuitively recognize the immediate steps required to bridge the gap between your present state and your envisioned future. Don’t complicate the process; the simplest daily actions can yield extraordinary outcomes.

Your responsibility is to clarify your desires and consistently take action to advance toward them. The specifics of "how" and "when" to achieve your goals are not your concern. Focus solely on taking inspired action. You don’t need a complete roadmap to close the gap—just trust your instincts and act daily.

Your actions, combined with unwavering commitment, will generate the magic needed to transform the impossible into reality.

Defining Commitment

So, what does commitment truly entail? It means going all-in. If your vision includes being healthy and fit, but your actions involve poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, then you’re not fully committed. Similarly, if you aspire to build a business but continue to prioritize a traditional job without taking steps toward your entrepreneurial goals, your commitment is lacking. If you seek harmony and love in your relationships yet find yourself creating conflict, you are not genuinely committed.

Commitment demands that you begin living as the person in your vision immediately, without hesitation. You must visualize yourself as the person who has already achieved that new life and act accordingly—there’s no reason to wait.

Be the future version of yourself today. You don’t require anyone’s permission to start. If you persist in making the same choices and acting in the same ways as before, you are not demonstrating commitment.

And remember this crucial point: commitment is absolute. A 99% commitment equates to zero commitment. Be the future you now, and observe how the world begins to shift around your new identity as if by magic. You don’t need to know how or when changes will occur; simply commit to becoming the new you, and the universe will unveil a path.

Commitment fosters luck, and only you can truly discern your level of commitment. Your spoken intentions are irrelevant; pay attention to your energy and daily choices. They reveal whether you are committed or not. It’s easy to express a desire for more from life, but your actions will always tell the truth.

Integrating It All

Years ago, I learned that life aligns with your desires. It’s not an adversary; you don’t need to struggle against it. All that’s necessary is to choose your path, take inspired action, and commit. Once you do these three things, the final step is to receive what comes your way.

And it will always come.

Initially, I thought manifesting my aspirations was far more complex than it is. Observing those who excel at creating change in their lives, I noticed a distinct certainty in their demeanor—a certainty that I lacked. This could be termed trust or faith. They believed they could attain whatever they desired, making the process feel more like a choice rather than a struggle.

That realization taught me that successful individuals choose their destiny, while those who struggle chase after outcomes. It all begins with clarity on what you want and the actions you take.

Ultimately, commitment transforms the universe into an ally in your journey. Commit to your vision, and it will be yours for the taking.

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The story was previously published on The Good Men Project.

About Mike Kitko

Mike Kitko is an executive self-mastery coach, speaker, and published author dedicated to helping business owners achieve greater success and happiness. With a background as a Marine and an MBA, Mike has held leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies but struggled with feelings of inadequacy despite his achievements. His journey through personal challenges, including addiction and emotional turmoil, has led him to discover a deep zest for life and a desire to help others find their path to success and fulfillment.