LifeDev

When I first hear the word commitment, the first thing that pops into my head is marriage.  This isn’t particularly a good word association to have for a bachelor.  So naturally, you can see why I try to avoid the C word at all costs.  Yet, commitment can be a good thing for those with lots on their plates.

For example: If you know you’ve got to finish a project that doesn’t have a static due date.  If you nail a date down with an appropriate amount of time to get it done, you’ve put finality to it.  Finality can ease your mind because you’ve 1) eliminated the uncertain “I know it needs to be done but I don’t know when” feeling, as well as the 2) “It doesn’t have a due date so I can put it off if I want” mindset.  I know this goes against The David’s teachings, but I find some piece of mind to at least put a due date on some tasks that I know are going to hang over my head.

Turns out I’m not the only one. Rick at Xtraordinary Living Blog finds commitment a freeing thing. When he plans things well in advance, he finds relief in knowing that he doesn’t have to worry about it any longer. Even for things as small as a haircut appointment.

Take my haircuts for example, I used to only book my next appointment after finishing my haircut. The problem with this, was that both my hairdresser’s and my availability were severely reduced. We would go back and forth and when we finally selected a date/time, we would often end up squeezing it in during less than ideal times. I would also have to re-schedule a good number of these appointments because something “came up.” All of this added stress and a feeling that getting a haircut was really a major hassle. This year, I only re-scheduled once and getting my haircut has stopped being a hassle. As far as freedom goes, there is a feeling of freedom knowing that I don’t have to worry about my haircuts for another year.

With this planning ahead model, both the hairdresser and Rick are happy.  Committing doesn’t necessarily mean a ball and chain: it means not having to worry about it until it happens.

Like what you're reading? Stop by and say howdy on Twitter!