What’s your commitment level to your dreams?

Elliott nervously pulled out his credit card and signed up for a half marathon. His friend George, challenged him to get serious about his health. Elliott with stomach jitters and a clenched jaw, said to himself, “What am I getting myself into?”

Elliott was considerably overweight and vegged on the couch every night. George noticed Elliott’s health slowly deteriorating and was getting quite concerned that if he didn’t start moving his body that Elliott would probably have a heart attack.

The first week went by and Elliott didn’t budge from the couch. The second week went by and he ran one day. George called to check in on Elliott, “How’s training going?” Eliott said, he hadn’t really put any effort in. George was frustrated, fuming with madness. Then, this conversation erupted:

George: “What would it mean to you to have energy again?”

Eliott (with a perked up voice): “It would be amazing. I could have energy for fun after work and enjoy life again, maybe even date again.”

George: “What would you be willing to do to have this amazing and energetic life again?”

Elliott: “Absolutely everything. Thanks! I needed that swift kick in the butt.”

Elliott started waking up at 5:00am. He ran every morning before most of the world even heard their alarm clock go off. It wasn’t easy. One morning, he threw his alarm clock off across the bedroom and realized that was the least productive use of his energy.

Yet, every day he ran. His mood was better and he felt more energy at the end of the day. This momentum allowed him to easily increase mileage each week and get up every morning.

How committed are you to your dreams? Are you willing to go the extra mile?

If your dreams have no meaning, you’ll likely find the excuses not to pursue them. And, then when the going gets tough, you stop. Meaning brings enduring motivation to your dreams.

If you never share your dreams, no one will keep you accountable to them.