When it comes to shaping our career path - whether advancing in our current role, climbing the leadership ladder, exploring a new direction, or starting a business - commitment isn’t just about creating visions, strategies, and plans. It’s about finding the courage to pursue those visions wholeheartedly and bring them to life.

I recently worked with a coaching client who was deeply committed to designing a new career path. Although she had a clear purpose and direction, her commitment to putting the strategy into action began to weaken. This led us into a discussion about the role courage plays in maintaining commitment.

It takes courage to fully commit to a strategy and make disciplined progress step by step. Why courage? Because turning a vision into reality often involves taking risks, facing setbacks, confronting fear, and embracing uncertainty. It’s about pushing through these challenges and refusing to give up.

Commitment means taking ownership of both successes and failures. It’s about striving for excellence, continuing to grow, and staying focused on our goals despite challenges. This requires resilience to overcome obstacles and the courage to remain dedicated to the vision. Let’s also remember that the fuel behind this resilience and courage is motivation - the 'why' that drives the vision.

It’s also important to stay focused on the bigger picture and understand how the different parts of the vision and strategy are interconnected. True commitment requires being open to vulnerability, reflecting carefully on decisions, and being ready to adjust when things don’t go as planned. When you commit to your journey, it means being vulnerable - showing up, admitting failure, correcting, retrying, and moving forward. As Brené Brown, the researcher on vulnerability and courage, explains, vulnerability is one of the core skill sets of courage, alongside raising strong, braving trust, and living your values. By embracing vulnerability, you demonstrate the commitment and courage needed to stay focused on the bigger picture and adapt as you work toward your vision.

Fully committing also requires nurturing your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Think of your body and mind as the main engine driving your success. By prioritising fitness and self-care, you build the strength and resilience needed to stay on course, no matter how tough the road ahead may be. True commitment takes the courage to prioritise yourself and starts with taking care of the engine that powers it all—YOU.

So, what commitments and courage will your next career moves require? My final thought for you: real bravery isn’t just about designing and planning your future - it’s about having the courage to make it happen and staying committed, even in the face of challenges.

 

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