While out shopping locally the other day at the Chic Boutique in my town, I ran into my friend Lynn. As we admired the stylish displays, she shared a story. A
friend of hers had made a commitment to herself to stick with a personal goal for an entire year—and she actually did it. No excuses, no wavering. She set her mind to it and followed through.
Lynn was so inspired. “I’ve set goals before,” she admitted, “but I let them fall by the wayside.” This time, though, she’s determined to make it
different.
For 2025, Lynn is committing to a daily goal and, more importantly, committing to seeing it through.
Her determination sparked an idea: How many of us set goals with
the best of intentions but let them fade away? What would it look like if we truly stuck to our commitments—not just for a week or a month, but all year long?
Why Sticking to Commitments Matters
When we honor our commitments to ourselves,
it builds trust in our own abilities. It sends a powerful message: “I’m capable, and I follow through.” On the flip side, when we abandon our goals, even unintentionally, it can chip away at our confidence and create a pattern of giving up.
The key isn’t perfection—it’s perseverance. Challenges will come, distractions will arise, but
sticking to a commitment means showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.
Tips for Setting and Sticking to Commitments
If you’re ready to set a goal and actually see it through, here’s how to make it happen:
1. Start With a Clear ‘Why’
Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to me? Understanding the deeper reason behind your commitment will keep you motivated when the initial excitement wears off.
2. Make It Manageable
Break your goal into smaller, achievable steps. Instead of saying, “I’ll save $1,000,” start with, “I’ll set aside $100 this month.” Small wins build
momentum.
3. Track Your Progress
Whether it’s a journal, app, or calendar, find a way to track your efforts. Seeing how far you’ve come can be a great motivator to keep going.
4. Build in Accountability
Share your goal with a trusted friend or family member. Lynn shared her goal with me, and now I can’t wait to cheer her on. Knowing someone else is rooting for you can be a powerful push to stay on track.
5. Celebrate Milestones
Reaching a milestone, no matter how small, is an accomplishment. Celebrate it. Treat yourself to something that reinforces your hard work, like a quiet evening to reflect or a new book you’ve been wanting.
7. Revisit and Reassess
Life changes, and so do circumstances. If your goal no longer feels right, adjust it. Sticking to a commitment sometimes requires tweaking.
8. Embrace the Process
Not every day will be easy. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re moving mountains; other days, progress may feel slow. The magic happens in showing up consistently, even on the tough days.
The Ripple Effect of Commitment
As I left the boutique, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Lynn’s renewed sense of purpose. Her story reminded me that sticking to commitments isn’t just about achieving a specific goal—it’s about the person you become in the process.
When you honor a commitment, you’re proving to yourself that you’re capable of discipline, resilience, and follow-through. And those traits carry over into every aspect of your life, creating a ripple effect of confidence and success.
So, what’s a goal you’ve been putting
off or letting slip? Take a page from Lynn’s book, and make this the year you stick to it. The road won’t always be easy, but the rewards—both tangible and internal—are absolutely worth it.
Here’s to making commitments and seeing them through. Let’s make the new year ahead the one where we say, “I did it!”
