When it Comes to Commitment, 99% is Hard 100% is Easy

It is goal setting time, and I am reminded once again of the saying “99% is hard, 100% is easy”. Last year I took this to heart and only committed to things I could commit to 100%. No mind games, no excuses, no half way. One simple example is I decided to hike with my golden retriever up to the top of big hill behind my house…everyday…no exceptions. I walk with her anyways, this just gave me better exercise and stopped all the useless mind chatter of how I might cut the walk short. Excuses from a 99% commitment like: I was short on time, or tired, or feeling lazy.

That simple hike, turned into a bigger one, and then yet a bigger one…2.5 km straight uphill! That was all fine until Shanna (my dog) was hit by a car and her back leg shattered. By that time, my fitness routine was so tightly engrained that I was not prepared to abandon my 100% commitment. During her recovery I ran with her in a jogging stroller, or kayaked with her, or pulled her in a bike trailer specially made for dogs…something everyday – no excuses.

Although my original vow was relatively small, it started me on the right path to better fitness and the weight loss that had eluded me for years. It is a strategy that works for me. So now when my goals are so lofty that I loose sight of the end, I commit 100% to do something that is much smaller and I know it will head me in the right direction and get me to where I want to be.