Chapter 7: Channeling The Commitment You Need To Achieve Your Goals

There are popular notions that suggest following your passions and marrying your best friend will lead to success and happiness. While these ideas have some merit, they can also be misleading and cause people to become complacent or make hasty decisions. In the pursuit of our dreams, there is a quality that often gets overlooked: dedication. Dedication is for those who are serious, unwavering, and committed to creating their own destinies.

I once had a conversation with an inspiring entrepreneur friend who is successful in the finance industry, which is his passion. However, he surprised me by saying, "Oh, I hate the markets. Constantly making projections and balancing my books is a headache. But I do it because I saw an opportunity, took advantage of it, and I am committed to making my fortune from it."

His words made me realize that following our passions is not everything, while the teachings on commitment are often undervalued. The ability to be steadfast and give our all to whatever we pursue is crucial. While genuine love for something makes the journey easier, we must not forget our power as human beings to make decisions. We can choose to grow in love with something or someone without waiting for a feeling to develop first.

So, how can you channel your commitment towards your goals? Here are some key steps:

• Realize Your Power and Responsibility: Understand that your success depends more on you than on external factors. Take ownership of your life and decisions. Recognize that you have the ability to shape your own destiny and commit to working on yourself and your ambitions.

• Eliminate Distractions: Learn to ignore opposing thoughts and words that may distract you from your goals. Treat them as mere noise and focus on your path. As distractions get louder, work harder to stay focused and dedicated.

• Embrace the Pain of Discipline: Recognize that pain is inevitable in life, but you have a choice in the type of pain you experience. Will you choose the pain of discipline, sacrifice, and hard work as you build your legacy? Or will you choose the pain of regret, knowing you could have achieved more if you had overcome laziness and complacency? Embrace the discipline required to pursue your goals and be willing to forgo short-term pleasures for long-term success.

• Hold Yourself Accountable: Take responsibility for your growth and success. Remove the option of falling backward by burning the bridges that lead back to your comfort zone. Make success the only possibility by committing fully to your goals and pushing yourself beyond your limits.

Remember, dedication is a powerful force that drives you towards achieving your dreams. By channeling your commitment and staying focused on your goals, you can overcome obstacles, grow personally and professionally, and create the life you aspire to live.