The Transformative Power of Decision & Commitment
It’s negative four degrees outside. I check the temperature and immediately feel my brain start negotiating with me: Maybe I can skip my walk today. Maybe just this once. But then I remind myself—I am someone who walks every day, no matter what. So I get up, put on my shoes, and step outside. Because this isn’t just about today. This is about being 95 years old and still being able to move freely, still being able to walk a mile with ease. My future self depends on the decisions I make today. And that’s exactly why decision and commitment go hand in hand.
March is here, and with it comes an invitation to step fully into your power. This month, we are taking a deep dive into Decision & Commitment, two of the most powerful forces in shaping our personal and professional growth.
Every day, we make countless decisions, from small, seemingly insignificant choices to life-altering ones. Yet, how often do we hesitate, overthink, or let our fears and doubts dilute our commitment? How many times have you set a goal, only to find yourself negotiating against it later, convincing yourself that you’re not ready, that you need more information, or that you’ll start “when the time is right”?
This mental tug-of-war is not a reflection of your ability or worthiness; it is your brain’s natural instinct to keep you safe, to avoid discomfort, and to stick with the familiar. It’s our warm, fuzzy blanket. But growth requires discomfort. Stepping into your power means strengthening your commitment beyond the moment of decision, beyond the first spark of motivation, and especially beyond the moments when doubt creeps in.
Why Decision & Commitment Matter
A decision, on its own, is simply a choice. Commitment is what gives it life. When you commit, you remove the backdoor, eliminating the option of quitting when things get hard or uncertain. You declare to yourself and the world: This is what I want, and I will do what it takes to see it through. Even if the outcome isn’t what you expected, owning your decision is a learning experience. Making a decision is better than being paralyzed by indecision and living a life dictated by fear.
Identifying the Hidden Negotiations
Your mind is brilliant at justifying inaction. Some of the most common ways it works against you include:
“I need more time to prepare.”
Translation: I’m afraid to fail.
“I’ll start when I feel more confident.”
Truth: Confidence comes from action, not before it.
“Maybe I should focus on something else first.”
Reality: You’re letting distractions keep you from your real goal.
This happens in everyday life, like committing to a gym routine and then deciding, “Oh, the weather is bad, I’ll go tomorrow.” I do this myself! I catch myself thinking, “Maybe today I can skip my walk,” but I remind myself that I am someone who walks every day, no matter what. Recognizing these negotiations in real-time is the first step in breaking their hold.
The second step? Taking action anyway.
Practical Strategies to Strengthen Your Commitment
Here’s how you can stay grounded in your decisions and follow through with confidence:
Decide Once and Fully – I decided that I am a person who walks every day, no matter what. There is no negotiation. That simple declaration removes the need to reconsider my choice every morning. It’s already decided.
Clarify Your Why – My reason for walking daily is clear: I want to be 95 years old and still capable of walking a mile with ease. Every time I step outside, I remind myself that my future self depends on the choices I make today.
Anticipate Resistance – I know the cold will tempt me to stay inside. So, I prepare. I lay out my walking shoes and warm clothes the night before. That way, when I wake up, everything is ready, and I have no excuses.
Take Small, Consistent Action – One mile a day doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up. Over a year, that’s 365 miles. Over ten years, that’s 3,650 miles! The key is consistency—small actions every day create long-term results.
Surround Yourself with Support – I organize community walks with women who share my commitment. Being part of a group reinforces my accountability and keeps me motivated, even when doubt creeps in.
This is Your Moment
This month, we are helping you own your decisions, strengthen your follow-through, and eliminate the mental negotiations that keep you stuck.
Take a moment and reflect: What is a decision you’ve made recently? How have you followed through with your commitment to it? Have you allowed fear or hesitation to hold you back from a decision you know you need to make? If so, what’s stopping you?
Your future is shaped by the choices you make today. Will you let fear dictate your path, or will you commit and move forward with intention?
Let’s continue this transformative conversation. Your power lies not just in deciding what you want, but in showing up every single day to make it happen.
Join us for our next Cafecito y Caminata, or schedule an ask-a-coach session!
See you there, Mujer Poderosa.