How to Use the Power of Commitment to Get the Writing Done

Photo by Mark Duffel on Unsplash

​For more than a couple of weeks now, I’ve written every single day. It’s a challenge I set for myself and few other writers in my Facebook group, The Writers Sangha. We’re going to write every day now until the end of the year. We’re committed to getting the writing done, to our dream.
 
Recently I shared the story of my sporadic writing career. All my stops and starts there on the page made me realize it has taken me years to finally commit to writing. I’ve spent my life not letting myself fully go through the process commitment takes.
 
Often we lose interest in what we’re doing. We fail to either choose a challenging enough goal or an exciting enough vision. Sometimes we simply get tired when the going gets tough. As we move towards our dream and work the goals that will get us there, there will be ups and downs and periods of stagnation. During these tough times, you have to keep going. That’s where your commitment is tested. Too many of us give up at that point. I almost always did.
 
We need the big and challenging vision. We need the specific, measurable goals. We need to hold ourselves accountable. And we need to stay the course, understanding the process is filled with failure as well as triumph.
 
Here are the ways to strengthen your commitment to get the writing done.
 
Your Vision
 
A vision is larger than a goal. It’s the big picture you have for your career or your life, and it helps you stay focused on what it is you truly want. A vision is about becoming and not just doing.
 
In order for it to strengthen your commitment it needs to create excitement in you every time you think about it. It helps you to know your next steps and keeps you going when the journey is difficult.
 
Your goals
 
You create goals to help you embody your vision. Working towards your goals helps you stay on the path.
 
Don’t make your goals too big. Your vision can be huge, but not the goals. You have to believe your goals are possible. But they also have to be challenging enough to hold your attention. That’s key. A good goal is doable, measurable and has a deadline. The more goals you achieve, the stronger your commitment becomes.
 
The long and winding road
 
Achieving goals and growing into your vision can and should be challenging. There will be times when you want to give up. There will be failures. All of this is simply a part of the process of growth. Knowing this can help you stay committed when things get tough.
 
I only wish I understood the process early in life. But I know it now, and I’m more committed than ever.
 
Accountability
 
When things get difficult and you feel like quitting, having an accountability buddy or a coach helps you keep going.
 
In the early stages of building your commitment, it’s essential to have some form of accountability. It’s too easy to give up or become half-hearted in your efforts. As you go along, you’ll get better at holding yourself accountable. But don’t be fooled, even as you become ever more committed to your dream, your mind will sometimes want to go back to its old patterns. This is especially true as you choose larger and larger goals and greater visions.
 
Stay the course. Understand the process. Get help when needed and inspire yourself to greatness. Your dreams are worth it. You are worth it.
 
If you’d like help staying committed and getting the writing done, sign up to receive this blog and other free resources one of which is The Writers Sangha, a Facebook group where you can find the accountability you need.