by Kaushik Guha

Created on: June 16, 2009

Every time you set an objective, write down a mission statement, do you tell yourself that I am going to do it no matter what?

Or do you say this is my objective, I am going to follow through on it provided I am not too tired at the end of my workday or workweek.

In the latter case, you know from experience that it doesn't serve you very well .

Let's explore this for a moment.

Basing your action based on your moment-to-moment emotions is a very ineffective strategy for growth.

Why? Because human emotionschange in a heartbeat.

So for example, let's say like me, you happen to bump into this movie called Rocky Balboa (2006).

You watch Sylvester Stallone at 60 display a ripped body that can put a 20 year old to shame.

You get pumped up and say Well, if that old horse can do it, so can I

So you register with a local gymnasium and let's say you make a commitment to yourself that you would work out 4 times a week.

Then you add an apparently harmless clause provided I am not tired or stressed out.

Now, you are a high powered executive making millions per year. For you, stress is like a shadow, it's almost a badge of honor.

So, Monday evening, you come back from work and oh boy, just the mere thought of a sweat filled gymnasium with jocks strolling around and those ugly iron bars strewn about makes your stomach churn.

So you tell yourself, today I am too stressed, I will go later. And you know very well deep in your heart, that the 'later' might never come. As Tony Robbins says that the road of someday leads to a town called nowhere.

Does this sound familiar?

So what is the lesson here?

With regards to goal setting, one of the most vital aspects that we all must pay attention to is a proactive commitment.

It means when you set a goal, it is understood that you be realistic and take into account your limitations of time, energy,(money if applicable) and once the goal is set, then the decision whether you will follow through or not is also taken then and there. There are no 'if' clauses.

See, when you set a goal and then don't follow up on it, you pay a double price. Not only are you delaying the final outcome, but you are sending a message to your brain saying I am not a reliable person. I do not even value my own words.

That's a pretty mighty blow to somebody's self esteem.

So today, take a fresh look at your goals. Renew them, but this time, make the commitment beforehand.

A lot of the self help teachers would tell you to make this commitment a public one. If that's what it takes, do that.

But do not repeat the old mistake of making a decision based on how you would feel at that moment.

Because like I said before, you pay a double price when you do that.

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