It happens to all of us. We make commitments
to do a great job, continue our education, lose weight, exercise more, save
money, make those home repairs that have been on the *To-Do* list for 6
months, spend more time with the family, get more rest, love and support our
spouse forever… you name it! We start out with great intentions, we make
the commitments, we make our plans, but then something happens.
* * *
Last month I turned 39, which is so
close to 40 it might as well be! But to me, the best part about growing
older is being able to understand life a little better. I wouldn’t trade
that for anything. Even just a few years ago I would have said the reason
we can’t seem to keep our commitments is that we just don’t have enough
willpower, we just give up too easily. But I’ve realized that we all have
areas in our lives (hopefully), where we DO keep our commitments.
And if this theory is true, it means we
ALL have willpower.
So what happens to throw us off-track?
Life, for one thing. We’re busy, too busy. We get tired, emotional,
stressed-out, unfocused. Not to mention that our comfortable lives with
dishwashers, microwaves, cell phones and computers has spoiled us rotten.
We think everything should be easy and instantaneously done. We don’t like
having to work hard to keep those commitments, but often that’s what it
takes.
We also have so many commitments we
can’t even keep track of them. Go ahead, take out a sheet of paper and write
down how many commitments you are trying to keep right now. Of course the
older you are and the larger your family is the longer your list will
probably be, but I’m betting everyone has a list.
Now the question is, which of those
commitments are going to be the ones you keep? I can tell you.
It’s the ones that are a priority.
If your job is a priority, you will keep
that commitment and be successful. You’ll give your full effort each day,
approach your job with a good attitude, and always be on the lookout for
ways to make yourself more valuable to your company.
If your family is a priority you will
spend more time with them. Let them know you love them, all the time. If
you have children be sure to spend one-on-one time with each one every day.
If you’re married, schedule dates every week even if it’s just quality alone
time at home.
If your money is a priority, you will do
the work it takes to manage it well. Keep track of your finances by paying
your bills on time, creating a budget, getting out of debt, and starting a
savings or investment plan.
And ditto for everything else on your
list… if it’s a priority, just do it!
The only things on your list that you
will not be able to remain committed to are the areas that are not a
priority for you.
My column this month is a great
example. In fact, the entire July issue shows my commitment to you, the
subscribers and readers of BetterBudgeting.com. You see, my family has just
been transferred out of state, from VA to NC, and I’ve got moving boxes
under my feet even as I type this now. I put all of my other work on hold
for the summer but with over 5,000 subscribers and 1,000 hits a day to this
site, the show must go on even though it’s not convenient for me to be at
work. This is what it takes for all commitments, at least the ones we truly
mean to keep.
One more thing for you to consider…
don’t forget to list Spiritual Growth along with your other priorities.
Personally, I don’t think I’d be able to keep any of my commitments without
this one being right at the top.
And I wish someone could tell me how to
make giving up chocolate a priority. Somehow, I think that one is a lost
cause!
Michelle Jones, author
of Frugal Family Recipes and Dealing with Debt, is dedicated to helping
families save money and live a better life. She's also a frugal mom of 4
and the Publishing Editor of Living a Better Life: The Free Money-Saving
Tips Ezine. Please visit
www.BetterBudgeting.com to sign up for your free subscription!
Copyright © by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission.
