How to maintain commitment

One question that I’m frequently asked is, “Vanessa, how do I maintain my level of commitment to my business goals?"

The reality is your commitment will wane over time and it can get seriously challenged when you experience the inevitable setbacks and disappointments that every business owner faces along the way.

The key is in understanding what level of commitment you have to start with and building it up from there.

In one of our group training sessions, I shared with our clients yesterday The Six Levels of Commitment (adapted from http://www.marksanborn.com/blog/commitment-the-key-to-remarkable-performance/)

Level 1 – Interested. You are aware of the basics and adding to that knowledge on a casual basis. This is the equivalent to flipping through magazines or listening to CNN Headlines while working out at the gym.

Level 2 – Informed. You are knowledgeable as a result of intentional study. This means you’ll be subscribing to magazines, buying books, attending seminars with the intent of expanding your knowledge.

Level 3 – Involved. You are building your knowledge as a result of both study and taking action. You are actively applying what you are learning and starting to see some positive changes.

Level 4 – Immersed. You are now becoming recognized as an expert or specialist in your field. You are rising above the pack and standing out from the crowd.

Level 5 – Invested. You are recognized as “a” leader in your field. You are clearly committed to education, overall improvement and continually seeking to better your performance.

Level 6 – Innovative. You are recognized as “the” leader in your field. You aren’t seeking new standards but rather you are setting them. You are discovering new innovative ways to increase your value by meeting the needs of others.

I often see small business owners and entrepreneurs getting “stuck” between levels 2 – 4. Often they think that learning something new will give them the changes they are looking for. In reality the changes only start when you apply what you have learned and then you can see what is and what is not working for you. There is no shortcut to taking consistent action!

The next level of difficulty is moving from level 3 – 4 where Tall Poppy Syndrome can start to kick in. You can read my last article to find out more about this. Essentially though it’s the fear of what others will think, say or do when you begin to rise above the pack.

So what’s the answer to growing and sustaining your commitment over the long haul? Surround yourself with others who are also committed to deepening their own levels of commitment and achieving their goals. It’s a tried and tested method that works and it makes the journey so much more enjoyable.

This is your opportunity to spend 3 days with other like-minded entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world. Come join me for 3 days of inspiration, transformation and commitment building at The Big Bold Event, 23 – 25 January in Phoenix. We have only 17 seats left and they will fill up quickly.

Be fully committed to your own success – reserve your seat today at the Big Bold Event before we are fully sold out.