Consistent, Even Persistent

How about starting this article off with a lesson from a snail? “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” Even though it took a long time, they were consistent, finishing what they started. 

There's something powerful, even transformational, about being consistent and even persistent in whatever you start to do. In this 'easy glum – easy glow LaLa’ world, most of us are affected by obstacles, distractions, FOMO (fear of missing out), boredom, or fear of finishing what we started. 

Remember Doug the Dog in the movie Up? Doug gets distracted while on a mission to find a bird. But every time he sees a squirrel, he yells “Squirrel” and gets distracted from finding the bird. That sounds like many of us today; our mission or life’s calling is squandered on the altar of impulsiveness or the latest squirrel that catches our attention. 

Commitment empowers us. It gives us momentum. Even when faced with difficult challenges or even boredom, just the internal commitment to finish what you started can keep your motor running. John Maxwell says in his book, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of an Effective Leader, the following. “You’ve never seen an effective leader without commitment. Commitment inspires others also. It shows them that you have conviction. Commitment creates buy-in to the committed leader, then commitment to the vision.” 

Maxwell continues, “So, what is commitment? To each person, it means something different. To the boxer, it’s getting off the mat one time more than you’ve been knocked down. To the marathoner, it’s running another ten miles when your strength is gone. To the soldier, it’s going over the hill, not knowing what is on the other side. To the missionary, it’s saying good-bye to your own comfort to make life better for others. To the leader, it’s all that and more because everyone you lead depends on you leading.” 

Here are the three phases of commitment. 

1. Commitment starts in the heart; it’s internal – you need to own it. 

2. Commitment is tested by action. Arthur Gordon says, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.” 

3. Commitment opens the door to achievement. For most people and things in life, commitment will be uphill all the way. Some people want everything to be perfect before they are willing to commit themselves to anything. Hint: Commitment precedes achievement. Hello?

Everything in life has obstacles and challenges; your marriage, career, relationships, character, anything that you set out to do that is bigger than sitting in your chair and watching political ads full of lies and misrepresentations. You must admit that the companies that create those attack ads are committed to lies and misrepresentations. David McNally commented, “Commitment is the enemy to resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.” In other words, if you want to get anywhere worthwhile, you must be committed.

Here’s one last thought from John Maxwell’s Commitment chapter in his book. 

When it comes to commitment, there are really only four types of people: 

1. Copouts. People who have no goals and do not commit. 

2. Holdouts. People who don't know if they can reach their goals, so they're afraid to commit. 

3. Dropouts. People who start toward a goal but quit when the going gets tough. 

4. All-outs. People who set goals, commit to them, and pay the price to reach them.

I understand that some parts of these thoughts may disturb you a bit because this requires action. I realize that there are things that you should not commit to no matter what. For example, you can be committed to the wrong thing. Shaquille O'Neal should not commit to being a horse jockey. Don't commit to what you won't be; commit to what you can be. Sometimes that will take a try or two. Don't give up. Find what you can commit to. 

The point I am making in this article is that commitment is not popular these days. So, if you are going to get to where you want to go, you must commit to it. The only thing worse than not committing is wishing you had. Commitment is your friend, not your enemy. 

Jesus is a prime example of unwavering determination. In Luke 9:51, Jesus “set his face towards Jerusalem.” He was committed no matter what. This famous phrase - found in the Gospel of Luke - marks the pivotal moment when Jesus resolutely committed Himself to the final, agonizing journey to Calvary. Knowing that suffering, betrayal, and crucifixion awaited Him there, He steadfastly "set his face" to fulfill His mission. Just as the Old Testament prophet Isaiah spoke of setting his face "like flint," Jesus let nothing deter Him from His purpose.

"I am told that in the Kentucky Derby, the winning horse effectively runs out of oxygen after the first half mile, and he goes the rest of the way on heart. That's why all great athletes recognize the importance of commitment." John Maxwell. 

What’s our takeaway here? What kind of person are you? Are you reaching your goals? Are you achieving where you want to be in life? What can you say, “I was born for this!” about? 

If you are not where you want to be, it could be your level of commitment.