Making a commitment to do something is like making a promise – once I have said I will do it, then I do it. It is important to think things through before making the commitment or promise. Making a commitment should not be done lightly or without thinking of the problems that could arise.
Because commitment includes caring, it can mean that how it is carried out might change along the way. For example, one promises to go on a trip with others and once the commitment (i.e. the tickets are bought) then one carries through, even if things do not go equally easy everyday. Being flexible along the way, using many of the virtues is all a part of commitment.
“Commitment is caring deeply about a person, a goal or a belief. Once we discern a direction, we go for it wholeheartedly. We don’t hold back, second-guess our decision or hesitate to act on it fully. We set goals and achieve them. We make promises and keep them. We go the extra mile. We are faithful to our relationships and don’t allow problems to make us waver. Keeping our commitments strengthens our inner integrity. It deepens our capacity to carry responsibility with grace.”
When I practice Commitment, I:
- am discerning about my decisions
- give 100% to whatever I do
- am confident in my choices
- keep my agreements
- am loyal to those I care about
- have the strength to go the distance.