We always dream of living better lives or achieving higher goals. But, sometimes, life appears to be hard and complicated. People encounter obstacles in achieving their goals and at times even fail. Is this failure really due to a lack of time, some unlearned skill, or a much deeper issue? Well, we can probably have a great debate on this topic, but let us see the other side of the coin. Very often, we hear about people who overcome well-nigh impossible odds to achieve wealth or fame. There are cases of people being at the right place at the right time, a coincidence, or meeting the right person just when they need to. What is happening here?
Do the successful people find Aladdin’s Chirag (magic lamp) that delivers these miracles or is there something else? If we contemplate, we will find that it is the power of commitment to the goals / dreams that serves as the magic. In this context, the quote of W. H. Murray is worth mentioning:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits to oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt, would have come his way.
I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’’
So if you want to succeed in your endeavors, the following plan will help you set your goals and also achieve what you want.
1. Set your goal
First of all, you need to decide your goal keeping in mind your talents, background and the available resources. The important point to be considered here is whether the goal has been set due to some compulsion or it is your mission and passion.
2. Why have you set that goal?
True, deciding what you want is the first step, but it is only part of the solution! Therefore, if you really want to achieve your goal, you’ll need to be clear on why you want what you want. The moment you have found your “Why” you will do whatever it takes to achieve it!
3. What is your plan of action?
You either have a proven plan (system or daily method of operation) you follow, or you don’t. If you do, continue moving forward. If you don’t, find someone who has already achieved what you want. Find out what he did. Do that. And then continue until you achieve the same result he has already proven was possible. Because it’s easier to keep going when you get results—and it’s easier to get results when you follow a proven plan.
4. Make your resolve public
After you’ve decided your goal, found the reason why that is important to you, and are diligently following a proven plan to achieve it, you should take one more step: resolve to commit publicly! Tell as many people as you know, like, and trust, and would not want to disappoint -what you have resolved, followed by why you have taken this resolve, and then explain your plan to accomplish it.Believe it, if you’ll do this, you will follow through.
5. Be ready to learn new skills
It is very important to incorporate a daily personal improvement program in routine. For this purpose, you may read inspiring books, or join some relevant course / study group or the like. In modern times, it is a must to keep oneself updated about the latest technologies and be informed of all the relevant issues specific to your goal because if you knowbetter, the going will be easier. Use all these five steps to guide you and you will be well on your way to keeping your resolve and achieving your goal / dream; and that is the real power of commitment!
Akhand Jyoti Magazine May June 2014