There are a small handful of words that come up in virtually every coaching conversation. Three of these are: clarity, confidence, and commitment.
Clarity is so important upfront because, in my experience with my clients, whenever we spend enough time to get crystal clear on what it is they want… they ALWAYS find a way to get it.
Confidence is such an interesting topic because we all want it, we all equate it with “success”, and we all want more of it – yet it seems elusive, subjective and abstract much of the time. Like, could you tell me exactly how to boost your confidence in three easy steps?
And commitment… on the surface we all have an idea of the essence of what it means. But how do you demonstrate it? And specifically, speaking about an important goal or ambition – how do you demonstrate that you are committed to it?
Commitment, as it turns out, is comprised of 3 major ingredients. Each of them with their own flavour and impact on the end result.
Persistence is about not giving up and staying committed to the end result, regardless of how many times one might fail or how long it might take. There is an element of what some would call “stubbornness” here. The desire to avoid the feeling of ‘giving up’ at nearly any cost. It can be a good thing for sure. And like any quality, one must be alerted and aware of the dark side of it as well.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adversity, or challenges. While persistence is about the ongoing effort, resilience is about recovery. It involves maintaining a positive outlook and the capacity to adapt and recover when things don't go as planned.
Discipline is the ability to consistently follow routines and standards to achieve a specific goal. It involves self-control, focus, and adherence to long-term strategies. Discipline is what keeps persistence and resilience in check, ensuring that efforts are directed toward productive actions. Discipline would include practices like a daily morning routine to check in with priorities, then scheduling them. Or daily mindset and gratitude practices.
In short, persistence keeps you moving forward. Resilience helps you recover when you fall. Discipline guides your actions with consistency and focus. Commitment is the result.
Whatever goals you have – whatever important achievements you want to create for yourself and your family – you want to consider equally clarity, confidence, and commitment.
When clarity, confidence, and commitment are present, you have unstoppable momentum. And it’s becoming increasingly clear, conversation by conversation, that having momentum in your goals is essential. Have momentum is powerful. And having momentum just plain feels good.
Think about a time when you had momentum with a goal – perhaps a fitness goal. You were consistent. Nothing could knock you off track. You were getting results. Improvements were felt! And you were happy. Progress feels good.
Questions to ask yourself to nail these three important factors:
Clarity – What do I truly want here? What will tell me I’ve done it / got it?
Confidence – Do I have, or could I get, the skills needed for this? Have I succeeded in similar challenges in the past? How will I grow from taking this on?
Commitment – What strategies or habits could I set up that will keep me committed here? What is important to me about this challenge or goal?
The momentum of clarity, confidence, and commitment all riding together will drive you forward in the most powerful way.
“Commitment is an act, not a word.” -- John-Paul Sartre
Chris Wilkinson is a Holistic Business Coach who works with entrepreneurs wanting to be profitable and organized, fulfill more of their own potential, and live the well-rounded life. For more information visit www.CoachingWithChris.ca or email Chris personally at info@CoachingWithChris.ca
