Committed

“There is a difference between interest and commitment.  When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when it is convenient.  When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” Ken Blanchard  

Walt Disney

“All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
“Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating those who work with me and aiming their efforts at a certain goal.”

Thomas Edison
Created the phonograph, in 1877 which was a device used for the recording sound.
A needle was used to trace wave forms to reproduce sound.
Created the first motion picture camera patented in the United States 1891
Created the first long lasting light bulb in 1879.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ― Thomas A. Edison



Henry Ford

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” Henry Ford
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford



Event

Year

He had to work to support his family after they were forced out of their home.

1816

His mother died.

1818

Failed in business.

1831

Was defeated for legislature.

1832

Lost his job and couldn't get into law school.

1832

Declared bankruptcy, and spent the next 17 years of his life paying off the money

he borrowed from friends to start his business.

1833

Was defeated for legislature again.

1834

Was engaged to be married, but his sweetheart died and his heart was broken.

1835

Had a nervous breakdown and spent the next six months in bed.

1836

Was defeated in becoming the speaker of the state legislature.

1838

Was defeated in becoming elector.

1840

Was defeated for Congress

1843

Was defeated for Congress.

1846

Was defeated for Congress again.

1848

Was rejected for the job of Land Officer in his home state.

1849

Was defeated for Senate.

1854

Was defeated for Vice-President -- got less than 100 votes.

1856

Was defeated for Senate for the third time.

1858

Was elected President of the United States.

1860

Guess who this was?  Abraham Lincoln.

Worthwhile goals and aspirations will always take time to accomplish.

It took Abraham Lincoln 30 years to achieve his dream of becoming the President of the United States.  Although he faced countless insurmountable obstacles, he did not give up. He didn't quit.  He was COMMITTED!   While it may seem impossible for you to overcome your current challenges or problems, promise yourself that you will NOT give up.

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"The path was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself, It's a slip and not a fall."  Abraham Lincoln


Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.  “Calvin Coolidge”

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Critical Questions

  1. How can you tell when someone is committed?
  2. What areas of your life do you display commitment and how do you prove it? 
  3. What is an important  goal you have? 
  4. What are the obstacles you predict to accomplishing that goal?
  5. What are the steps you need to follow to be successful?  
  6. What will you achieve when you accomplish your goal?
  7. Why are you committed to making it come true?
  8. What is the feeling it will give you?
  9. To reach each goal what do you need to believe?
  10. Why do you know you can reach your goal?
  11. What one area of your life do you need to commit to more?