Bruce Kasanoff* discusses the long-term benefits that can come from taking on commitments that initially seem onerous and overly time-consuming.
Our society is filled with tips, books, gurus and advertisement all imploring you to reach higher for what you want.
The implication is that if you get more of what you want, you will be better off.
However, I’ve noticed the opposite in my own life.
On a relatively regular basis, my life turns out better when I have to do something — or deal with an outcome — I did not want initially.
Like many of us, my schedule can get pretty full.
There are many moments when I wonder why I agreed to take another meeting or review a document from someone I barely know.
Yet, eight times out of 10, I get something highly positive from these interactions.
It may be a valuable new connection, an idea or insight that excites me, or just an elevated sense of energy and wellbeing.
In a similar manner, many days I make the wrong choices for my long-term wellbeing.
Instead of taking a hike, I surf the web. Instead of lifting weights, I sit too much.
So here’s my question for you.
Do you do better — or worse — when you have complete control over your actions?
For example, I’m seriously considering lessening my control over my actions by making more long-term commitments.
That could mean paying for a trainer, just so I actually make it to the gym twice weekly.
Or perhaps I’ll designate one morning a week as my meet-interesting-new-people-time (and perhaps have someone else program it).
I wonder what you would think about making these long-term commitments.
*Bruce Kasanoff is the founder of The Journey, a newsletter for positive, uplifting and accomplished professionals. He is also an executive coach and social media ghostwriter for entrepreneurs. He can be contacted at kasanoff.com.
This article first appeared at kasanoff.com.
