The Pain of Commitment is Better than the Pain of Regret

It's hard when we look back and say, "I wish I had done that; I wish I had said this." We could brush it off and say, "Oh well, that's life." But is it? Life is full of opportunities that pass us by; but our fears, worries, comfort, security, etc., hold us back.

Sometimes our lack of commitment keeps us from achieving great potential. We get too lazy, we begin to doubt our reasons for starting, and even forget why it was important.

In an article on Psychology Today, Steven C. Hayes Ph.D. said, "BIG commitments (whom to marry, what career to pursue, etc.) are not purely logical. They are psychological. These choices require that you take your whole self into account, one felt sense at a time."

For example, you go to the gym because you want your body to get more physical activity, instead of getting used to the chair in your cubicle.

So, you go to the gym, and first, it's not so bad. The desire to complete your goal is still fresh. Then a week passes by and you come home exhausted from work. Of course, you think, "I've been faithfully going, but today I'm drained, so it's okay if I stay home." However, your gut, no pun intended, is telling you to get up and push through. You ignore it and stay home.

As you may already assume, it won't be the last time you stay home. What's more, it will most likely lead you to quit the gym overall. Now, this may seem like a story with a bad ending, but it's not. The good thing about this is that it became the first attempt. You dipped your toes in the water, so it's not so bad. You're familiar with it now. Commitment takes practice. Yes, it can be difficult and/or annoying, but if it matters to you, then you keep getting up after the fall.

You get the thought in your head again, "Maybe I should go back to the gym." You do. This, in turn, becomes a bit easier for you to commit once more. Yet, if you had that thought but did nothing about it, then the regret will eventually seep in.

The point of all this is to keep remembering why you began something and to also positively believe in yourself. Don't allow the carnal desires of comfort to bring you down. If the spirit is telling you to get up, and you know it's the best choice, but the "devil on your side" is saying no, then go with what you know is best for you.

Naturally, we know this, but sometimes it's nice to have a reminder or to simply know someone has faith in us. I believe in you (not because I know you personally, but because I know the situation); go be the best version of yourself!