Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey as much as anything else. It requires making commitments that often extend beyond the promises made to employees, vendors, and clients; it also encompasses the pledges we make to ourselves. These internal commitments are the cornerstone of personal integrity, driving us toward our goals, shaping our work ethic, and ultimately determining our success. Yet, in the chaos of running a business, it’s easy not to make it onto your own to-do list. You can overlook your personal commitments, such as getting a life outside of your business, finding time for family and friends, or even making doctor appointments. Sometimes, we allow them to be overshadowed by our external demands. So, it begs the question: Are you keeping your commitments to yourself?
At the heart of this inquiry lies the concept of self-accountability. As business owners, we set various goals, whether financial targets, professional milestones, or business growth objectives. These commitments serve as guiding stars, directing our efforts and fueling our motivation. However, the journey towards fulfilling these commitments can be riddled with obstacles, distractions, and competing priorities.
Consider the entrepreneur who vows to dedicate a certain number of hours each week to sales or strategic planning. Initially, the commitment burns bright, driving them to carve out time amidst their busy schedules. Yet, as deadlines loom, emails flood in, and crises emerge, that commitment may waver. It becomes tempting to postpone personal endeavors in favor of immediate tasks, rationalizing that there will always be time later. However, each deferred commitment chips away at the foundation of your health, sleep, self-trust, and discipline.
Moreover, the erosion of internal commitments can have broader repercussions on business efficacy. When we neglect our personal goals, we risk stagnation and complacency, hindering innovation or a health crisis. A business thrives when its leaders continually push the boundaries of their capabilities, seeking improvement and adaptation. By honoring our commitments to ourselves, we not only enhance our own skillsets but also fortify the resilience and agility of our enterprises.
So, how can entrepreneurs ensure they uphold their personal commitments amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship? It begins with cultivating a mindset of self-discipline and prioritization. Recognize that honoring personal commitments is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success. Just as you wouldn’t flake on a crucial meeting with a client, treat your commitments to yourself with the same level of importance. If you need to go to a therapist appointment or have a date night with your sweetie, don’t let anything become more of a priority to you than that.
Use practical strategies such as time-blocking, setting SMART goals, and establishing accountability mechanisms can help safeguard your time. Block off dedicated slots in your schedule for personal time and reflection and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Break down larger goals into actionable steps, setting specific, measurable targets to track your progress. Additionally, enlist the support of mentors, peers, or coaches who can provide guidance and hold you accountable to your commitments.
Periodically reassess and realign your personal goals and business commitments in response to shifting priorities and circumstances. As your business evolves, so too may your personal goals and aspirations. Regularly reflect on whether your commitments remain relevant and meaningful, adjusting them as needed to stay aligned with your overarching vision.
Ultimately, keeping your commitments to yourself is not just about achieving specific revenue outcomes; it’s about cultivating a mindset of integrity, resilience, and growth. By prioritizing your personal commitments, you lay the groundwork for sustained success and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. If you are seeking to make the most of your life, it’s crucial to prioritize what truly matters and to pursue it wholeheartedly. This might involve:
Embracing Fearlessness: Fear can often hold us back from taking risks and pursuing our passions. By confronting our fears head-on, we can unlock new possibilities and experiences that enrich our lives.
Prioritizing Relationships: Nurturing meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones is essential for a fulfilling life. Investing time and energy into these relationships can bring immense joy and support.
Indulging in Pleasure: Life is too short to deny ourselves the simple pleasures that bring us happiness. Whether it’s enjoying a decadent slice of cake or treating ourselves to luxuries like expensive sheets, it’s important to savor life’s delights.
Exploring New Experiences: Stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences can broaden our horizons and deepen our appreciation for life. Whether it’s traveling to new destinations, trying new hobbies, or reconnecting with old friends, each new experience adds richness to our lives.
Cultivating Gratitude: Taking time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and expressing gratitude for them can shift our perspective and bring greater contentment. Gratitude allows us to appreciate the beauty and abundance that surrounds us each day.
Your business shouldn’t be the reason why you don’t live a fulfilling life. Embrace authenticity, seek out joy, and nurture the connections that make life meaningful. It’s about finding balance between work and play, between responsibility and spontaneity. And above all, it’s about cherishing each moment and making the most of the time we have left. So, let’s all heed the call to live more, love more, and embrace the fullness of life with open arms.
Don’t waste time. Keep your commitments to yourself and focus on what is really important. In Mark 8:36, the Bible says, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? “Don’t just be driven by making money. Become a seeker. Start living more. Take more chances in your personal life. Start loving your life more. Go see your old college friends. Get into the part of you that lives instead of the part that is consumed by fear.
So, ask yourself again: Are you keeping your business commitments to yourself?