Commitment | Filed under General
Abraham Lincoln. Mahatma Ghandi. Mother Teresa. Martin Luther King, Jr. Names from our history books. . . names from the fabric of our lives. Names that we hold in high esteem, because these people changed the world. By any gage of historical measure, they lived truly successful lives. They did so with unswerving energy. They did so with passion. They did so because of the single facet of life that more than any other determines great success: total commitment to a good and noble purpose.
So what about you?
How can you change your world? How can you build an exciting and thriving career? How can you have a great marriage, grow a loving family. . . how do you get from here to there?
Commitment.
Greatness lies in the consciousness of an honest purpose in life. It is this purpose, this ever-pervading passion, that ignites the very best in us. Our lives, and our influence upon those around us, are fashioned by one aspect more then any other: the level and focus of our commitment.
Today, we live in a politically correct culture. A world where, generally speaking, commitment lies only as deep as the realm of current popular opinion. Whatever’s going to be easiest…or make us the most popular…or make us the most money. . . that must be the way to go. But when you and I look for things upon which to truly marvel, what do we see? Who are the people who earn our feelings of greatest respect and admiration? It’s certainly true. Those who we hold in highest esteem are the men and women who have remained steadfast in their commitment, true to their principles, and unshakeable in their resolve.
So. . . you want tremendous professional success? Commit yourself to excellence in everything you do (and then do it, and do it, and do it!). You want a great marriage? Totally commit to your partner. You want an awesome relationship with your kids? Commit to them…to their interests…and try to see the world through their eyes.
Your life is exactly what you make it. Figure out what you really want, know where you’re heading and then…commit yourself. Not mamby pamby, not only when its easy or popular, but like Lincoln, Ghandi, Teresa, and King . . . 1000%! Do this, and the world will lay itself at your feet. The world knows no more powerful force than a person totally committed to a good and noble purpose.
Make your Life Simply Good, I will never be a Lincoln, Ghandi, Teresa or a King but I will be Always Victoria striving to make Life Simply Good and to share with you along the way. Until the next time, smile and enjoy your weekend.
September 16th, 2005 at 5:34 pm
Who is this Abralinmaghamotermaluki you speak of?
September 16th, 2005 at 7:52 pm
No doubt these people were inspirations and leaders. You touch many lives and make each person in your life feel special. Your posts always remind me of things I should be doing or can improve on.
Love & Hugs!
September 16th, 2005 at 10:00 pm
We may not be but small in the eyes of some, but we can all do small things; greatly…
Thank you Victoria, for the succession of all the small, great things you post for us each day …
September 16th, 2005 at 10:18 pm
Thanks for this reminder. Have a great weekend.
September 17th, 2005 at 6:15 am
Wish I could commit to something, anything. Your list is fine with the exception of MLK. I do not hold in high regard anyone who calls themselves men of God and then have affairs. Yes his work was good and wonderful and right, but I can’t get past the other. I know we all have our sins, but true Men of God I hold to much, much higher standards.
September 17th, 2005 at 6:29 am
I’ve always believed in giving 100% to everything. But sometimes it makes me think….
Nevertheless, thank you for this list. Wishing you a great weekend, Vickie. xoxox
September 17th, 2005 at 7:49 am
And did you see where the couch potato record
was broken. My hero, 69 hours of watching TV. Now that guy ought to be committed.
September 17th, 2005 at 10:53 am
You make an excellent point here. When I think of the parts of my life that are the most successful, they are the parts to which I am the most committed.
September 17th, 2005 at 11:12 am
Vickie you make a huge difference. We aren’t all meant to be just like “the greats” or all alike. But each of us in our own way, with our own circumstances, can make a difference not only in our own lives, but others’ lives. Like YOU do. Love you, my friend.
September 17th, 2005 at 11:59 am
Every time you write, you make a difference in the lives of your readers. I do try to be as committed as possible to a few things. And, the people I respect the most: Those who do the best they can with what they have and try to live independently as much as possible. I’m beginning to lose some respect of a few people who come into our store using their food stamp cards for groceries and their pocket money for non-essentials (in my opinion anyway). It makes me wonder about priorities. I see zillions of tattoos, rings in the noses, belly buttons, fancy jewelry and fancy cars toting those people around and I wonder how they can accept charity and do these things. I’m really not making a judgement, as much as an observation.
Okay!!! Yeah, I guess I judging. God forgive me.
September 17th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
I AM judging.
September 17th, 2005 at 1:06 pm
Those are all great people you speak of there but (you knew I would have a but didn’t you)people like Gunga Din who was potrayed in Kiplings peom are the ones to look up to, The ordinary people of this world who go out andf help without any regard to their safty.
The nurse in the emergency room and fireman who runs into a blazing fire, the person who jumps into the street to save a child from an on coming vehicle only to be killed themselves. The Joes and Janes of the world who stuggle to raise a family or the volenteers who just help people survive like the recent flooding in Louisianna.
And who were Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr but regular people who we put on a pedistle, a pedistle they didn’t want to be on because thats not what they really wanted.
They didn’t do it for the money, they just wanted to do the right thing even though most people did not agree with what they were doing.
Money comes and goes but respect lasts forever.
Ask George Bailey from the movie it’s a wonderful life what the most important thing is or better still watch it again.
I personally don’t chase money I never have. I have made lots spent lots given much away and have always been happy. I have no desire to be famous or rich. I buy lotto tickets and wish to win a secondary prize more than the big one because I believe it would only create grief.
For the most part I am happy.
My brother chases the all mighty dollar and all it has brought him is a broken home, greed and distrust from the people close to him and the people that pay him.
I have seen more happy poor people than rich people.
I would rather have what I need and screw the rest.
Great post as always
Have as nice weekend
September 17th, 2005 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for another inspiring post.
Mother Teresa [that is what my son calls me, I think it is an honor I am no way entitled to.]
September 17th, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Its wonderful that there are people in this world whose exsistance is a contribution to humankind. I doubt ill ever be GREAT. Neither would i want to be. If I can raise my children to be upstanding, caring individuals, at the same time keep my husband content , all the while managing to maintain my sanity… Then I shall consider I have served as a great person in this life.
September 18th, 2005 at 5:15 am
we all make a difference in people’s the people’s lives that we touch, it’s the kind of difference that is of our choosing.
September 18th, 2005 at 8:56 am
And the true test of that commitment is when the going gets tough. So, too, are the biggest rewards.
: )
Happy Sunday
September 18th, 2005 at 9:05 am
No, you’re not those people, nor am I, nor is anyone else. What you CAN be, though, is the best Victoria you can be, which is what you strive to do as evidenced by what you write.
Commitment. ‘Tis sadly lacking in our society today. Marriage? Sure, why not. If it doesn’t work out we’ll just get a divorce. Yeah, I know I said I’d do that thing I promised, but I just didn’t have time. You understand, right?
Nice post.