“When you’re interested in doing something, you only do it when it’s convenient. When you’re committed, you accept no excuses. only results”. 

Ken Blanchard, a leading writer and management expert, makes an important distinction between interest and commitment that I think we don’t consider often enough. Convenience plays such a big role in our decisions today, that I think sometimes we give it too much importance.

Are You Interested or Committed To Your Goals?

Have you ever asked yourself whether you are ​interested ​​in ​or ​committed to​ your goals? Motivational leader Kenneth Blanchard’s distinction really makes me think. For example, this morning I was reflecting on this quote as I walked to the gym.  I really did not feel like going to the gym at 7:30 am after a Sunday of PhD work.

Is the gym an interest or a committment?  I asked myself.   It really works when you think of it this way!   I am committed. Whole-heartedly.  In fact, it shifts your mindset and keeps you motivated. I may be off-track after my 3 month research stay in Holland, where my training schedule was cut in half, but I will reach my goal.

Accept NO Excuses

So, I just couldn’t help adding the all caps “NO” in the header.  When discussing goals with others, I often find that the biggest roadblock people face is making excuses.  Well, I suppose  it’s more having the discipline to not make excuses.  For me, there is a difference between reasons and excuses, too.

• A reason is a legitimate cause for an action
• An excuse is an invented, irrational cause for not taking action.

If you have a legitimate reason for not being able to work on your goal in the way you expected, find another way.  For example, if you really want to take a language course, but don’t have the money, find a “side hustle” (a part-time extra job). Alternatively, re-do your personal budget plan and reduce costs elsewhere. It may be one extra step to reaching your goal, but it’ll be worth it.

Here is a list of common excuses:

• No time is an excuse. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Use yours wisely.
• I’m too busy
• I don’t have enough money
• Fear of failure   If you don’t try, you’ve already failed. So, you may as well give it a shot.

Getting Results

For me, getting results is really about putting in the time and effort.  It’s true that some goals may be more difficult for you to achieve than other people. There will be others that are easier for you.  For example, despite having a “perfect health” doctor’s report, eating super healthy food and training at the gym several times a week, my body is very slow at burning fat. So, it’s a struggle to be super fit – but I’ll get there!

Focus on the positive and remember that it is possible, if you don’t make excuses.

Inspiring Motivational Books

So, here are few books you could check out for further inspiration.  You can click the links above the images to grab your copies. If you’re in the UK or Europe, please click the appropriate link below the image.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People            365 Inspirational Quotes         Great Leaders Grow                               Getting To Yes

UK/Europe please go here.   UK/Europe please go here            UK/Europe please go here                     UK/Europe, please go here.                             

Which goals are you committed to? Which are you interested in (and saving for later)?  Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Have a lovely and productive Monday!

P.S. Photography fans, I took the photo for this week’s poster last month in Maastricht, Holland inside a beautiful ancient church that was converted into a bookstore!