Do you know anyone who has trouble keeping their commitments? Chances are, you do. It's not uncommon to come across individuals who struggle to stay dedicated to their goals or promises. On the flip side, do you know someone who consistently keeps their commitments? Commitment is a trait that defines one's dedication to a cause, activity, or anything that holds significance in their life. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of commitment and how it relates to habits and training the brain.

Understanding Commitment

Commitment is the state of being dedicated to something that matters to you. It's the unwavering promise you make to yourself or others, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping your success and personal growth. Whether it's a commitment to a new exercise regimen, a career goal, a relationship, or even a personal project, staying true to your commitments is vital in achieving your desired outcomes.

Habits: The Building Blocks of Commitment

Habits, on the other hand, are the everyday routines and behaviors that we engage in regularly, often without even realizing it. These behaviors are deeply ingrained in our daily lives and influence our actions and decisions. Habits can be constructive or destructive, and they significantly impact our ability to keep our commitments. Keeping commitments that are counter to our habits is quite challenging. 

The Power of Habit Formation

Habits are essentially acquired behavior patterns that are continually practiced until they become almost involuntary. They play a critical role in shaping our lives, as they determine our actions and reactions. The best way to keep a commitment is to create a habit around it.

Creating a habit involves consistent, deliberate practice until it becomes a natural part of your routine. For example, if your commitment is to read more, you can establish a reading habit by dedicating a specific time each day to pick up a book. Over time, this practice becomes so ingrained in your routine that it feels automatic.

Habits can help you stay committed in various ways:

1. Consistency: Habits ensure that you consistently work towards your commitments. They act as a bridge between your intentions and your actions.
2. Overcoming Resistance: When the initial motivation wanes, habits help you push through resistance. This is particularly important in the early stages of forming a commitment.
3. Reduction of Decision Fatigue: Habits remove the need to decide every day whether or not to act on your commitment. They become second nature, reducing decision fatigue.
4. Neuroplasticity: Your brain rewires itself to accommodate your habits. This means that the more you engage in a habit, the easier it becomes to maintain your commitments.

Steps to Create Commitment-Boosting Habits

1. Set Clear Goals: Clearly define your commitment. Know what you want to achieve, and be specific about your goals.
2. Start Small: Begin with manageable tasks. Don't overwhelm yourself with too much change at once. Gradually build up as the habit forms.
3. Consistency is Key: Commit to practicing your habit every day or at specific intervals. The more consistent you are, the more likely the habit will stick.
4. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your habit-forming journey. This helps you stay motivated and see how far you've come.
5. Stay Accountable: Share your commitment with someone who can hold you accountable. Having a support system can be a powerful motivator.

Commitment is the cornerstone of success in various aspects of life. Whether you're striving for personal growth, career advancement, or maintaining healthy relationships, commitment is essential. It's closely intertwined with the formation of habits. By creating positive habits that align with your commitments, you can increase your chances of achieving your goals and living a more fulfilling life.

If you know someone who consistently keeps their commitments, consider spending more time with them. Their ability to turn commitments into habits can be a valuable source of inspiration and guidance in your own journey toward success. Remember, dedication and perseverance go hand in hand with forming habits that propel you toward your goals, and the results are worth the effort.

I wrote a book, Profit with Presence: The 12 Pillars of Mindful Leadership, which goes in to further detail about this topic and more.

Although the world is currently abuzz with the term “mindfulness,” some believe mindfulness is a fringe activity to be practiced before or after the workday, if at all. Too few business professionals take the time needed to be present and aware throughout the workday, which is counterproductive. Mindfulness is not only a path to personal success, but a sound business strategy.  

My hope is to positively impact the world through infusing more mindfulness into business -- and it starts with each of us individually. Together, we can create a future where mindfulness is deeply embedded in our work culture, leading to greater well-being, productivity, and meaningful success for all.

- Dr Eric Holsapple