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.
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?
This fits in perfectly with my attitude for facing this year let alone this week. I am on a mission! #bigpinklink
Yay, good on you! Best of luck x
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
So very true, thank you x
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
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
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 preschool
Thank you, all the best making your dreams a reality this year x
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’
Aww, thank you so much 😊. I wish the same for you x
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 Worth
Thank you, glad they resonated with you. Hope they help x
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
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
just popping back from #dreamteam
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”
Aww, thank you 😊. Hope the kids get something or if it x
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 2016
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
Perfect for January!
Right now I am going to commit to this cup of coffee.
#dreamteam
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
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 Life
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
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 Review
Thank you, I’ve had a very committed day of commenting too, good luck x
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
Thank you, glad you like it. I think we all need a kick up the bum every now and then! 😬
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
[email protected] Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…What I’m reading this January…*
So very true, definitely not the sexiest of topics but probably one is the most important x
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 17
Ha ha, definitely easier said than done x
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 #79
I’m definitely great at wasting time, scheduling things in is my way past that this year. Hope you achieve all yours too x
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.
Thank you. Minimalism sounds like a great word to live by x
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 Track
Being a mummy is the biggest commitment there is, and the most rewarding x
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 happiness
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it x
Fantastic post which I could not agree with more. Wise words and love the quotes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you 😊
Oh goodness these sayings do ring all too true with me. Commitment is a big thing and a little scary too! #MarvMonday
The scarier it is, the bigger the rewards x
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 Fool
Thank you, you’re so right. It’s definitely easier than ever before to become distracted, especially with social media! x
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
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
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 #27
That’s a great philosophy to have, we could learn a thing or two from you x
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!!!
#bestandworst – I always forget that part!
Naomi recently posted…What My Neighbour Saw
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
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
Thank you. Glad they resonated with you this week x
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 52
Thank you. Well done for committing to dry January, it will taste all the sweeter in February! x
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!
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
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 Play
Wow, exciting times ahead. Best of luck x
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 Baby
Thank you. Boredom is definitely a commitment killer but then if your goals bore you, maybe their not the right goals x
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 Seven
Thank you. I’ve been guilty of that for years, but this is the year it all changes x
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
Aww, thank you. Always nice to hear you’ve inspired someone 😊. Here’s to our best year yet 🎉
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…
Thank you. I think we could all do with being a bit more committed in one area or another x
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.
Thank you. Living with intention is definitely on the same wavelength, and something we should all be doing x
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 Mumbelievable
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 😂
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
That’s the real struggle isn’t it? Fingers crossed we can all keep at it this year x
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?
Thank you, start as you mean to go on as they say x
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 Artwork
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
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 #42
Life has a nasty habit of doing that doesn’t it? 😂
Really inspiring. I love this series. #bestandworst
Jaki recently posted…A New Guest Blogger Series
Aww, thank you x
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 2017
Thank you. You’re right, if you’re not passionate enough, pick a new goal x
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 – 3/52
Glad I’m not the only one! x
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 Eyes
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
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 Dreams
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
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