Each week we change the words/quote/saying that we are displaying on the noticeboard in our kitchen; these are the words we try to live by individually and as a family that week. Some weeks may focus on lifting our mood, others may be about motivation or attitude to life; something that speaks to us on some level and that we can directly apply to our lives. Changing the words each week stops them from becoming just another thing you walk past without really seeing, it keeps things fresh and stops them losing their power. This series is where I share those words with you in the hope they may help you and your family too. If you a new to the series and want to learn more, you can read the first post here, or check out the Words To Live By tab in the top menu.

Last week we dreamed big, this week is all about committing yourself to achieving those dreams.

If you want to achieve your dreams and goals you need to be committed

It’s all very well having dreams for the future but unless you are actually going to do something about it they will always remain just that, dreams. If you want to make those dreams a reality then you need to make the commitment to yourself that you will do whatever it takes to get there (within reason, I’m not advocating breaking any laws here).

“Most people fail, not because of lack of desire, but because of lack of commitment.” Vince Lombardi

Take some time to work out what steps you need to take to move yourself forward towards your ultimate dream, then break each step down even further and keep going till you have laid out your own roadmap in small incremental steps. Then make a commitment to do one thing every day (or at the very least once a week) that will get you there. Not just when the mood strikes you, but at a pre-scheduled time. Write it down in your diary or planner and stick to it.

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when its convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.” Kenneth Blanchard

It doesn’t matter how much you want something, unless you take action you are never going to get it. It can be all too easy in today’s world with all the other balls we are trying to juggle to put yourself and your dreams at the back of the pile, but you owe it to yourself (and your children, who will learn by your example) to make time for you.

“Intent reveals desire; action reveals commitment.” Dr Steve Maraboli

Whether your dream is to lose weight, write a book, start a business, travel the world, pay off the mortgage, learn a new skill or anything else, if it’s worth dreaming about, it’s worth committing to.

“Theres no point being committed to a vision if you’re not equally committed to making it a reality.” Tim Fargo

Lets take writing a book as an example. Its a great dream to have but unless you actually write it’s never going to happen. Maybe you have decided to write every day but, unless you schedule that time in, something else will always crop up that is deemed more important at the time and after a while the writing will fizzle out.

If you want to pay off the mortgage sooner, you need to work out how much extra you need to pay each month and work out where that money is going to come from. Work out a budget and be committed to making sure you don’t go over it. If you need to make more money, how much and from what source?

“The level of success you achieve will be in direct proportion to the depth of your commitment.” Roy T Bennett

Whatever your dream(s) for the year ahead make a commitment to yourself today that you will put in the work to make that dream a reality. If you don’t know all the steps to get there, start by finding out. Schedule time for research and planning (but don’t take too long or you will lose momentum) and then set a date for putting those plans into action.

“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” Abraham Lincoln

Are you committed to making your dreams come true?

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90 thoughts on “Words To Live By #11: Be Committed

  1. This fits in perfectly with my attitude for facing this year let alone this week. I am on a mission! #bigpinklink

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 3:31 pm
    1. Yay, good on you! Best of luck x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:06 pm
  2. What a great post! Commitment is the “trend” this time of year, as we all make our NY resolutions. However, we should be committed in our “everyday” life as well… Loved this! #bigpinklink

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 4:29 pm
    1. So very true, thank you x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:06 pm
  3. You are so right. I love the idea about changing your kitchen message every week, and I also really love this post. I have dreams that I am not committing to, because I am afraid they won’t come true. But they never will if I don’t try. Thank you. #GlobalBlogging

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 9:02 pm
    1. Thank you. Fear holds us back far too often, that’s why breaking it down into smaller manageable goals helps, on their own they don’t seem quite so scary and every little bit moves you one step closer. Like you say, if you don’t try you’ll never know. Best of luck making that commitment x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:14 pm
  4. Love this – such a good reminder that we need to take action and commit ourselves to making dreams a reality. #candidcuddles
    Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…To Sophie on her first day at preschoolMy Profile

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 9:35 pm
    1. Thank you, all the best making your dreams a reality this year x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:15 pm
  5. I love this series. You’ve picked some really good quotes. May you dream big and achieve those dreams this year. #MarvMondays
    Helena recently posted…Review: ‘Baby and Lion Dog: The search for the missing nose’My Profile

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 10:50 pm
    1. Aww, thank you so much 😊. I wish the same for you x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:16 pm
  6. This is very inspirational and something I needed to read. I haven’t been feeling very inspired lately and I’m trying to turn that around so thank you for these words. #candidcuddles
    Michelle recently posted…Rockin’ Quote #31: Know Your WorthMy Profile

    Posted on 9 January, 2017 at 10:56 pm
    1. Thank you, glad they resonated with you. Hope they help x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:16 pm
  7. Gosh so well said! I remember when I started the blog I committed myself to 3 years of giving all I could before I would let myself give up. Now over 2 years in I am so committed and I love it too! I do want to have book published so should commit to that! Great quotes! #candidcuddles

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 6:57 am
    1. Thank you. That’s a great way to start your blogging journey, it certainly worked! Good luck with your book, I’d certainly buy it x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:20 pm
  8. just popping back from #dreamteam

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 6:57 am
  9. More wonderful words to live by I love these posts. Teaching commitment to goals is a wonderful lesson – nothing is achieved without this so I will certainly be discussing with my children today – thank you, as always, for the inspiration #DreamTeam
    justsayingmum recently posted…Respecting “No”My Profile

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 8:21 am
    1. Aww, thank you 😊. Hope the kids get something or if it x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:21 pm
  10. A great quote for the week and some very inspiring words in this post. We are all guilty of not following through. But you’re so right that things don’t come for free! #MarvMondays
    Angela Watling recently posted…Five Favourite Finds – December 2016My Profile

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 11:39 am
    1. Thank you. This time of year especially people make all sorts of goals that then fall by the wayside because they didn’t fully commit to making it a reality. I’m hoping it’s a lesson I can teach my kids, it will certainly serve them well as they get older x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:26 pm
  11. Perfect for January!

    Right now I am going to commit to this cup of coffee.

    #dreamteam

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 12:41 pm
    1. Ha ha brilliant 😂. Once I’ve finished replying to comments I’m committing myself to having a hot cup of tea before the youngest gets up from her nap and the school run commences x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 2:27 pm
  12. I like be the quotes here, especially the Kenneth Blanchard one-it really rang true! As you know from my post this week, I have fully commissioned typed myself to something this year! And by documenting it for everyone to see, I feel has enforced my commitment! I’ve definitely put myself last for way too long now, and I feel a huge change in myself recently, where I’m just not going to accept that anymore. I’ve also been very vague about what I want from my writing-if asked if I’m going to pursue it, I’ve often replied ‘maybe, I’m not sure, probably not,’ because that way, failure made it easier to walk away. But I do want to write for a living, and I’m not letting the fear of failure stop me from at least trying. I’m loving your inspirational words to live by series, always such food for thought!! X
    #bigpinklink
    This Mum’s Life recently posted…PCOS Has Ruined My LifeMy Profile

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 3:58 pm
    1. Thank you. You do right not accepting it anymore and we could all do with putting ourselves first once in a while. I found your post really inspiring and I’ll be cheering you along all year. Best of luck with your writing too, I’m exactly the same! X

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 10:08 pm
  13. Great read!!! and so true! We really do need to encourage ourselves to stay committed. Like I do.. With all these comments I need to make 🙂 But in all seriousness, yes, we should commit to making our dreams a reality! Love that! Thank you for sharing with #globalblogging …
    One Messy Mama recently posted…Little Tikes – Product ReviewMy Profile

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 5:56 pm
    1. Thank you, I’ve had a very committed day of commenting too, good luck x

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 10:17 pm
  14. I love this! Very inspiring for a mid week post and just what I needed. Good, sound advice, and a kick up the bum to make sure I am committed! Looking forward to seeing next weeks inspiration and next weeks words to live by! E x

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 9:58 pm
    1. Thank you, glad you like it. I think we all need a kick up the bum every now and then! 😬

      Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 10:20 pm
  15. This is so important to remember and sometimes commitment isn’t celebrated so much because it’s not as exciting as the dreams and vision… but without the hours of hard work these are nothing. #globalblogging
    Hayley@ Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…What I’m reading this January…*My Profile

    Posted on 10 January, 2017 at 10:48 pm
    1. So very true, definitely not the sexiest of topics but probably one is the most important x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 5:05 pm
  16. Oh absolutely it’s all very well drew innit big but you certainly have to be committed to making it a reality. Sometimes easier said than done. It not impossible! Thanks for joining us at #familyfun x
    Tammymum recently posted…#FamilyFun…Week 17My Profile

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 8:24 am
    1. Ha ha, definitely easier said than done x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 6:23 pm
  17. This is one of the reasons I have bought a planner, as I feel like I waste so much time! You need to be committed and allocate time (as you say) to achieve anything. I hope you achieve your goals this 2017! Thanks for linking with #bestandworst x
    Sarah Howe recently posted…Best and Worst Week #79My Profile

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 8:37 am
    1. I’m definitely great at wasting time, scheduling things in is my way past that this year. Hope you achieve all yours too x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 6:24 pm
  18. I always love the words you guys live by. For me, its Minimalism I tend to follow for the Life ahead. I am doing bit by bit and its working. Loved the quotes used.

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 9:55 am
    1. Thank you. Minimalism sounds like a great word to live by x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 6:27 pm
  19. I need to be a little bit more committed to my goals. I suppose I’m working towards mine just by blogging and slowly growing my audience. The real action will happen when my littles get a bit older. At the moment I’m being Mummy. Thanks for linking up to #familyfun another great words to live by!!
    Karen | TwoTinyHands recently posted…#FamilyFun 17 – Back on TrackMy Profile

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 11:59 am
    1. Being a mummy is the biggest commitment there is, and the most rewarding x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 6:59 pm
  20. Great set of inspiring quotes! I love January for the renewed energy it brings as the start of a new year and keeps us enthusiastic about the things we want to accomplish. Yes, I am committed! Thank you for the motivating read! #CandidCuddles
    Vidya Sury recently posted…6 proven steps to instant happinessMy Profile

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 5:54 pm
    1. Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:00 pm
  21. Fantastic post which I could not agree with more. Wise words and love the quotes. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 8:12 pm
    1. Thank you 😊

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:01 pm
  22. Oh goodness these sayings do ring all too true with me. Commitment is a big thing and a little scary too! #MarvMonday

    Posted on 11 January, 2017 at 10:45 pm
    1. The scarier it is, the bigger the rewards x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:03 pm
  23. Wise words, as always 🙂 I think it’s so easy to be flaky and distracted these days. Even in every day life, people cancel plans all the time because it’s so easy to drop a text and say you’re not coming. Whereas before mobile phones, if you said you were going to be there, you had to, because the other person would be sat there waiting for you. Being committed is hard and inconvenient sometimes, but it brings results. Good luck with your big dreams 🙂 #ABloggingGoodTime
    Lucy At Home recently posted…Why Ignoring Quiet Alana Could Make You A FoolMy Profile

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 7:07 am
    1. Thank you, you’re so right. It’s definitely easier than ever before to become distracted, especially with social media! x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:04 pm
  24. This is so true! I admit, sometimes I have problems with , especially when things get tough or you don’t see results you’ve expected. But I try my best to stay focused, and there’s so much truth in the quote that there’s a big difference between interest and commitement! #coolmumclub

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 8:08 am
    1. This is something I really struggle with too which is why I want to work on it. It can be easy to become disheartened and give up when things get tough but I’m determined that won’t be me this year, you’ll never know just how far you can go unless you try x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:09 pm
  25. This is such a great reminder that we need determination and commitment to achieve our goals. I’ve always been a 100% or nothing kind of person when it comes to long term goals – and I always think if you can’t be committed, it shows you didn’t want it that much deep down anyway. Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
    Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…#SharingtheBlogLove #27My Profile

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 1:49 pm
    1. That’s a great philosophy to have, we could learn a thing or two from you x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:10 pm
  26. That’s a wonderful idea! My kids are too young to read or to care yet but I’m keeping this in mind for when they’re older!!!

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 2:23 pm
    1. #bestandworst – I always forget that part!
      Naomi recently posted…What My Neighbour SawMy Profile

      Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 2:24 pm
    2. Thank you. My youngest doesn’t have a clue but my 7yr old is at a good age for it. Even if he doesn’t pay much attention to it having it written down prompts me to remind him of it when certain things crop up through the week x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:15 pm
  27. Great words to live by this week!!!! Love Be Committed!!! And the quotes are exactly what I need this week! For everything. Family, Blog, Life. #Ablogginggoodtime

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 2:42 pm
    1. Thank you. Glad they resonated with you this week x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:16 pm
  28. Love this – I’m not sure what I’m really committing myself to right now, other than dry January and perhaps this blog! Thanks for reminding me exactly why I was right to talk the hubby out of having a cheeky vino after a particularly tough day 🙂
    Thanks for linking to #coolmumclub
    MMT recently posted…#coolmumclub Linky week 52My Profile

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 7:31 pm
    1. Thank you. Well done for committing to dry January, it will taste all the sweeter in February! x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:18 pm
  29. You always have so many nice quotes in your posts! The one from Lombardi is so true so. I reckon a lot of bloggers have it in mind especially in January. Well I do! Let’s see what I will make of it!
    Thanks for joining #globalblogging. I hope you will join again next week!

    Posted on 12 January, 2017 at 9:57 pm
    1. Thank you, it’s definitely easy to be committed in January, but carrying it on throughout the year is what will make the real difference. I’m in now doubt you’ll do great things this year, you certainly did last year x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:23 pm
  30. This is quite apt for me this week, I’ve just taken on a teaching assistant course as well as parenting, working etc and I was panicking but a bit of commitment is what’s needed. #PoCoLo
    Chantelle Hazelden recently posted…Promoting Road Safety To Kids Through PlayMy Profile

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 6:19 am
    1. Wow, exciting times ahead. Best of luck x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:25 pm
  31. Great post. I can be a little non-committed at times, perhaps if I’m feeling a bit bored (this happens often). Really thought provoking stuff #pocolo
    Rach recently posted…Wanting Another BabyMy Profile

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 8:16 am
    1. Thank you. Boredom is definitely a commitment killer but then if your goals bore you, maybe their not the right goals x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:27 pm
  32. I love this, and what a great idea! I often have big ideas but don’t always commit myself to them fully. I do think I need to work a bit harder on that sometimes! #PoCoLo
    BloggerMummyLauren recently posted…Caitlin, Today You Are SevenMy Profile

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 9:34 am
    1. Thank you. I’ve been guilty of that for years, but this is the year it all changes x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:28 pm
  33. Love it! I’m totally taking these words with me into 2017! It’s gonna be a good year. Love this series by way. So inspiring. 🙂 #PoCoLo

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 12:35 pm
    1. Aww, thank you. Always nice to hear you’ve inspired someone 😊. Here’s to our best year yet 🎉

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:30 pm
  34. This is so true. It’s that commitment that will make your dreams and goal a reality. I need a bit more commitment. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove X
    Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Teaching My Children all about Road Safety…My Profile

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 3:47 pm
    1. Thank you. I think we could all do with being a bit more committed in one area or another x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:30 pm
  35. Great word for the week. I need to take this on board more. You’re so right, it’s one thing to want something but unless you actively take the steps to get there it’s never going to happen.
    I just wrote a post about living with intention which I guess is on the same wavelength.

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 5:07 pm
    1. Thank you. Living with intention is definitely on the same wavelength, and something we should all be doing x

      Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 7:31 pm
  36. Yep, it’s the momentum thing that’s often the killer. Can you come and mother me please? Your posts are always written in such a calm assured way. Thanks for joining us for the first #candidcuddles of 2017 lovely!
    absolutely prabulous recently posted…#OopsFiles 25: “It Wasn’t Me” by Guest MumbelievableMy Profile

    Posted on 13 January, 2017 at 10:44 pm
    1. Ha ha, thank you, you’ve just made my day. Calm and assured is so far removed from how I’m feeling right now with a screaming toddler 😂

      Posted on 14 January, 2017 at 3:26 pm
  37. Love this! I have a new found commitment to my blog this year and I’m so in the zone with it. I just hope I can keep it up! #FamilyFun

    Posted on 14 January, 2017 at 11:24 am
    1. That’s the real struggle isn’t it? Fingers crossed we can all keep at it this year x

      Posted on 14 January, 2017 at 3:28 pm
  38. This is such a great idea and what better way to start the new year than by being committed to making dreams come true 🙂

    #coolmumclub
    Janine recently posted…What If There Was A Magic Pill For Autism?My Profile

    Posted on 14 January, 2017 at 9:12 pm
    1. Thank you, start as you mean to go on as they say x

      Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 9:36 pm
  39. Commitment is so critical! And not just ebb-and-flow commitment but a commitment to follow THROUGH. I am sad to admit that there is a small graveyard of items such as ice skates and a keyboard in my crawl space that remind me of ways in which I have NOT followed through. The Me today does not overcommit out of fear that I will flake. It’s very discouraging to fall into those sorts of patterns!
    #FamilyFun
    Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson recently posted…How to Neatly Display Your Child’s ArtworkMy Profile

    Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 3:31 am
    1. I am exactly the same but have decided this is the year it all changes and for the first time in years I feel confident about it x

      Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 9:43 pm
  40. This is what I need to live by right now! I am desperately trying to work hard on my Blog and my Etsy Shop but keep getting distracted by life in general. Thanks for sharing. Sarah #FabFridayPost
    Sarah Stockley recently posted…#ExplorerKids – Round-up #42My Profile

    Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 9:45 am
    1. Life has a nasty habit of doing that doesn’t it? 😂

      Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 9:44 pm
  41. Really inspiring. I love this series. #bestandworst
    Jaki recently posted…A New Guest Blogger SeriesMy Profile

    Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 10:29 am
    1. Aww, thank you x

      Posted on 15 January, 2017 at 9:44 pm
  42. Oooo really great quotes this week! I totally agree, commitment is key isn’t it? That’s what drives people to keep doing something until it’s perfect! I think without a love for what you are doing or a passion for it, you can’t have commitment. You can’t force it! Thanks so much for coming back to join us at #candidcuddles this year xx
    Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…Our Adventure to the Top of the Big Hill 2017My Profile

    Posted on 16 January, 2017 at 10:21 am
    1. Thank you. You’re right, if you’re not passionate enough, pick a new goal x

      Posted on 18 January, 2017 at 8:14 am
  43. Yes, yes, yes! This is something I really need to work on this year. I need to hold myself more accountable I think, to make sure I stick to things and get things done. x #CandidCuddles
    Madeline (This Glorious Life) recently posted…Living arrows 2107 – 3/52My Profile

    Posted on 16 January, 2017 at 2:05 pm
    1. Glad I’m not the only one! x

      Posted on 18 January, 2017 at 8:13 am
  44. Oh I love this post. So very true! These quotes are just perfect. I have let my dream of writing a book become sidelined lately and I am working towards setting aside time to work on this when I have finished my writing course. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
    Tracey Bowden recently posted…Limbo: The World Behind The EyesMy Profile

    Posted on 16 January, 2017 at 2:12 pm
    1. That’s definitely a dream that takes commitment, my drawer of first drafts that never went any further will attest to that! Best of luck with the course, can’t wait to read your book when it’s finished x

      Posted on 18 January, 2017 at 8:17 am
  45. Love these words. I completely agree about needing commitment to be able to turn those dreams into reality. Thanks so much for linking up to the #dreamteam ⭐️
    Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…Chasing My Writing DreamsMy Profile

    Posted on 16 January, 2017 at 7:24 pm
  46. What a wonderful idea to have a word/ saying to focus on as a family each week! I recently got one of those light up boxes and my older son Leo loves changing the letters so I’ve encouraged him to put inspirational stuff on there like “be kind”, “choose love”, etc. I love the idea of doing this on a noticeboard though as it gives you more space to start with 🙂 I’ll be checking out your future words, no doubt, and need to catch on the previous ones too 🙂 thanks for sharing :0) xx #FabFridayPost
    Alex @ That Butterfly Effect recently posted…Cheeky Wipes – review and promo codeMy Profile

    Posted on 17 January, 2017 at 12:27 am