Commit to be effective

There's a quote that I reposted on Facebook yesterday that comes from Paulo Coelho's book "Aleph", which goes, "If you only walk on sunny days, you will never reach your destination".

I love this quote and think it applies just as much to running as it does to walking. For that matter it probably applies to any number of different areas of life.

Before I started my run-a-mile-each-day experiment, some 886 days ago now, I definitely had certain types of weather that I preferred to run in. To some extent I still do, but it's not as pronounced any more.

Before I challenged myself with my run-a-mile-each-day experiment, I was much more likely to miss a day where weather conditions were less than favourable.

But the funny thing is that since I removed my option of allowing myself not to run every day (note that I removed it, not someone else - the choice is always mine at any time to discontinue the experiment or change it), I have grown to love running in driving rain, in strong wind, in snow, in cold and hot weather.

One of my favourite quotes is from William Hutchinson Murray and it goes,

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”

The number of lessons that I've learnt, and continue to learn, from my run-a-mile-each-day experiment are too numerous to count, but they don't only relate to my running. They impact every single area of my life.

Commitment is something that many people are frightened of and shy away from, but the more I experiment the more I learn that commitment holds an incredible power and gives me strength that I never knew I had.

As Mr Murray so eloquently alluded to above if you want to be more effective, try commitment.

Comments

[Shawn McGuire]

I am inspired. Inspired to challenge myself to a commitment.. My clients to a commitment... If not a mile... Perhaps a few steps. Thanks for your story.

[The Coaching Approach]

Thanks Shawn. I'd love to hear how you get on...