Committing to something is hard. But necessary.
Information overload combined with social pressures and existing commitments make taking on new commitments very difficult.
And when we do make a choice, we question it, second-guess it, and ultimately hinder its potential. We’re constantly on the lookout for the next best thing, the perfect plan.
Here’s the thing though. The perfect plan doesn’t exist. In the words of General George Patton, “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”
Our constant quest for the perfect plan or the ideal decision is exhausting, and quite frankly, detrimental to our well-being. So maybe it’s time for a new approach.
What if we gave our choices a chance, an opportunity to bloom, to show us what they can do? What if the power of achievement is not necessarily in making the perfect decision but in steadfastly pursuing a decision made?
What if once we select a path, we walk it with determination and resolve, not distracted by the elusive promise of greener pastures somewhere else. This isn’t merely about decision-making, it’s about wholeheartedly embracing those decisions and allowing them the chance to unfold, to come into their own.
So how do we do this?
Be Intentional. Make sure your commitments align with your values. Ask yourself why you’re making this commitment. What’s the goal, and does it harmonize with your life’s current rhythm? By setting an overarching intention, it allows us to evolve and iterate on our strategy without “failing” on our commitment.
For example, if my goal is to look, feel, and be healthier and I commit to running 10 miles everyday, and after 3 weeks my sleep has suffered and I’m crabby around friends and family, that’s probably not a great commitment. Instead I should commit to 60 minutes of active time everyday with the intention of giving myself time to sweat and reset. Then execute on that like Patton would.
Be realistic. Make sure your commitments align with your current lifestyle. Make sure they’re challenging, yet achievable. For example, if you’re a parent with two young kids and your wife is transitioning to full-time parenthood, committing to training for an Ironman, which demands 10-20 hours per week, might not harmonize with your life right now (I’ve made this mistake). Commit to things that blend with your reality.
Focus and Simplify. Committing to everything means committing to nothing. Stretching yourself thin leads to half-hearted efforts and eventual burnout. Juggling too many things at once increases the chance of dropping a few balls. Instead, concentrate on 1-3 significant commitments depending on their size. Dedicate time for these and formulate a solid plan of action.
Share Your Commitments. Get your loved ones on board. Our friends and family love to help us when given the opportunity. Bringing them in also adds a layer of accountability. Hiding it will lead to frustration and resentment of the people we love when they inadvertently get in the way.
Now, keeping these principles in mind, here are five straightforward commitments you can make today that need no preparation but can drastically enhance your health, confidence, and happiness. Choose 1-3 and start implementing them now. See these as the foundational blocks upon which your other health-related goals can be built:
1. Prioritize Sleep
Establish a bedtime routine that guarantees you’re getting a solid 7.5+ hours of actual sleep each night. Treat sleep as the vital health pillar it is, and your body and mind will thank you.
2. Avoid Added Sugar
No matter your diet—vegan, carnivore, or anything in between—the simple act of avoiding added sugar does wonders for your health. You don’t need to stress over counting macros or calories. Just avoiding added sugar accomplishes 80% of the work for your health (shout out 80/20 rule).
3. Embrace the Power of a Smile
Sounds cheesy (pun intended), but it’s powerful. Every time you encounter someone, share a smile. Your family, coworkers, even strangers on the street—this small act can elevate your mood and bolster your immune system.
4. Journal Regularly
You don’t need to pen an eloquent novel everyday. Even a single sentence or bullet point allows you to reflect on your thoughts, an exercise that can significantly improve your mental health.
5. Sweat Daily
Find something that makes you sweat and do it daily. Uncertain where to start? Check out the free community and workout collection provided by Dom Fusco on Upspace.
Remember, there’s no better time than the present to make a decision. Don’t let analysis paralysis control your life, especially when it comes to your health. Make a decision and commit to it. Give your choice a chance.
