LESSON #17: Commitment (The Choice is Yours)

By | July 29, 2008

In the previous lesson, we talked about motivation. More specifically, we talked about the need for long term, intrinsic motivation, and about how it should correlate with your overall vision.

I talked about how you need to be inspired and excited about your vision, and about how you can draw motivation from your vision.

But excitement alone is not enough to keep you going…

(Watch this video…)

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Main points:

  • Motivation is tied to our emotions, and our emotions have peaks and valleys.

  • What will you do when the excitement is gone?

  • (About the “hype cycle”)

  • You need commitment, and commitment is a choice.

  • “A vision grows from your soul, fed by commitment and passion, and can be articulated with descriptions of how things will be when the vision is achieved. If you cannot describe life within the vision, it is only a dream of imagination; if you cannot find the passion and perseverance, perhaps all you have is a plan for a goal.” – Dion McInnis

  • Passion comes easy for most of us entrepreneurial types, but commitment isn’t always so easy.

  • (Example of commitment in marriage)

  • The biggest enemy of commitment is probably fear.

  • Tips to help you commit to your vision…

    1) Feed your vision
    2) Make it the right level of priority
    3) Make sacrifices
    4) Develop good habits
    5) Be flexible
    6) Keep moving forward, no matter what
    7) Solidify your commitment in writing

    (Example of Bill Bright’s contract with God)

    Action steps:

    1) Commit to your vision. Write it down, sign and date it.

    2) List your priorities, in order of importance.

    3) Write down some habits you would like to develop, choose one to start with, and do it!

    As you commit to your vision, I believe you will be mentally prepared to begin the work of building your online business.

    The foundational portion of this learning series is almost complete; there’s just one more important question I need to address in the next lesson before we start putting together the pieces of your business.

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below. (Feel free to let me know if you’ve decided to commit to your vision)

    Have a great day!

  • 239 thoughts on “LESSON #17: Commitment (The Choice is Yours)

    1. Sergio

      Eric: Great lesson! We are getting getting a lot more than we ever planned to get from your lessons not only an online business lessons but also how to be successful in business. Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Edward

      Hi Eric,

      Thank you for another great lesson. After going through this lesson, and thinking about it, I was having some problems. I was always doing projects halfway and unable to complete it, it really must be that I’m uncommitted and easily distracted. But right now, I’m committed to make my Internet Business succeed by working much harder and being more focused on my projects and following it throughly and continuously checking updates on erictips.com.
      🙂

      Your Free Digital Resource Center

      http://www.dbookworm.com

      Reply
    3. Wilfred

      Hi Eric,

      I dont know what to say, but this is really a great lesson. Yes! COMMITMENT is the reason for so many great achievements in human history without it nothing significant could have been achieved. This lesson has really opened my eyes to the real reason behind all my failures and mediocre achievements in the past and probably in the future if I dont change. Thank you Eric you are indeed a great teacher.

      Reply
    4. Tom

      Hi Eric,

      An excellent way to explain the ups and downs of life. Thanks for keeping me focused.

      Reply
    5. Paul

      Hi Eric,

      What a superb presentation and well worth listening to more than once!I for one have needed this approach you have to the subject in hand.You re-affirmed in this lesson what an undertaking I have committed myself to.You have outstretched your hand and this lesson will be one I will be returning to many times when life’s problems begin to get in the way of my vision.When I feel the wheels are beginning to fall off this will be my pitstop where I will replenish my determination and dilligence to put me back on track.

      To say a mere ‘thanks’ is to show how sometimes the english language can be found lacking in it’s depth!But ‘thanks’ is all I can think of.

      Paul (UK)

      Reply
    6. Gary Pettit (Instant-Paysites.com)

      Hi Eric-
      I diffently experience the highs and lows just like you mentioned and it’s hard to keep moving forward and stay committed sometimes. One thing that works for me(or at least helps)when I’m feeling this way is to reflect on a time in my life when I was committed to something. This helps me realize the possitive end results of staying committed and confirms that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.Perhaps my vision needs some strengthing as well cause when I’m feeling not motivated, my vision seems less inspiring as well. So thats when it’s nice to reflect on a past commitment(that was followed through) for a reality check.Thanks for another great lesson.

      😉

      We Give 120 Instant Turnkey Websites with Your Paypal ID on Each
      http://Instant-Paysites.com

      Reply
    7. Eric Post author

      Thanks Sergio 🙂 Yes that’s the idea… I’m trying to help you build a foundation for any business and set you up for success in life by teaching some fundamental principles so often overlooked by teachers in this industry.

      Reply
    8. Eric Post author

      Thank you for your kind words, and I am humbled to be a vessel used to open people’s eyes.

      Reply
    9. Eric Post author

      That’s a good tip Gary. I actually do that too.

      A good example is when I won the state championship in high school, I was able to draw about a decade worth of motivation from it. Not because of the accomplishment, but because it was a vision I had committed to and then saw completely fulfilled.

      I heard a teaching about this concept one time… it was called “Remember your Bethel” (referring to Genesis 35:3)

      Reply
    10. Brian

      Hi Eric,

      I really love your course but unfortunately I am in Asia and my Internet connection is slow so consequently have difficulty watching the videos. Is it possible to download the lessons?
      Thanks Eric you are doing a brilliant job
      Brian

      Reply
    11. Eric Post author

      Thanks Brian. For now I want people to watch them on my blog so I’m not offering downloads. However, when the 100 lessons are complete I will put together some sort of package to get the entire set on DVD or download.

      Reply
    12. Brian

      Thanks Eric as its also nice to watch the videos a few times.
      Brian

      Reply
    13. Gary Pettit (Instant-Paysites.com)

      Eric…You got me curious…lol

      (Genesis 35:3)
      “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”

      Reply
    14. Michaela

      Hello Eric,
      YES, I am committed to work as hard as it takes, change some habits, learn more and take action.
      I think that having some brakes was good; I was able to think more about VISION – GOALS – Business PLAN – MOTIVATION. Actually I come back 3 times and thinking over each piece, do some changes and understand that all those bullets are not stand alone, they are deeply related with each other and only the harmony between them, and no missing pieces, will give us success.
      About the changes of some habits I tell you, in a nut shell, that I am committed:
      1)to stop working at more then one project at the time
      2)respect a daily schedule I made
      3)learn to say NO, to minimize the distractions
      4)I will analyze the milestones at the end of each one, learn from success and failures, and
      5)I will stay with this course until the end of 100 lessons.

      Eric,
      Thanks again for the opportunity and for your commitment! Your commitment will inspire us!
      Michaela

      Reply
    15. Eric Post author

      Right, and the point of the teaching was that the altar was a reminder of a time in Jacob’s life when God was faithful. So thinking back to a time in your life when you saw a vision fulfilled is kind of like Jacob looking back at the time he built the altar.

      Reply
    16. Steve

      Hey Eric great lesson as always, I am one those that look forward to your lessons not just as a student with the intent of being a internet marketeer, but also as one that believe that all men/women are born with innate greatness,but there are those that are place among us that bring out greatness/best from all they reach, you sir i believe is such a person, my ultimate vision is to be like you to touch others like how u have touch me. May you continue to be a blessing.

      Reply
    17. Dr Chris Bowman

      Hey Eric, Great stuff! These lessons and tips are the FOUNDATION upon which great success is built. All too often I see marketers focusing on tactics and tricks before the foundation has been carefully built. Big mistake. I think it’s very smart for you to be spending time on this. Have a great one!
      Dr Chris Bowman
      Dental Insiders Alliance
      http://www.DentalInsiders.com

      Reply
    18. RonnieMarz

      Excellent lesson Eric,
      How many times have I started something and quit half way there or at the goal line? Commitment and writing things down I find now is very important. Wish I learned that a long long time ago.
      thanks

      Reply
    19. Jeanette Colburn

      Hi Eric,
      I enjoy your lessons very much.They are helpful in many ways. I look forward to each lesson, but for some reason, I did not get lesson 16. Is there any way I can get it? Looking forward to the next lesson.

      Reply
    20. Steve Fisher

      Hey Eric,

      You’re not only an internet marketing teacher but you’re also a Life Style Coach.

      You’ve inspired me immensely as it’s easy to feel that you’re all by yourself when you’re sitting behind this screen trying to get things done or make your goal a reality.

      I don’t know how many times my wife and I really couldn’t stand each other but after a period of time we both come to realize that we had just gone through another one of those cycles. Like our economy, sooner or later things will get back to where they should be!

      Be flexible, but never give up on your goal and commitment!

      Great Stuff Eric…

      Thank You!

      Best Regards
      Steve Fisher

      Reply
    21. Jaunesk

      Action is still the best motivation, Like you said, keep moving forward no matter what. A lot of time, we are facing upphill task and think we need a rest, but the rest required more energy to restart on where we stop. Take a rest if you must, but don’t stop moving.

      Reply
    22. Alfonso

      Thanks Eric again,

      Your words are like God talking to us and they are so inspirational enough to think that we human need to turn on the light in our lives.

      God Bless,

      Reply
    23. Louise

      Thank you, thank you!!!! Your lessons are wonderful, I wait each day for another. I have already learned so much. Louise Bates

      Reply
    24. Sabrina O'Malone

      Wow Eric!

      What a great lesson. I can only imagine how many individuals will be spared this common pitfall -just because they are putting your tips into practice.

      I’m grateful (and thankful) that you are walking us through the action steps of cultivating a vision, setting goals, business planning and now the importance of commitment.

      Do you realize you might be the first person who has ever shared these kinds of best practices for success with a good portion of your readers?

      Even those of us who are familiar with the concepts are benefitting from revisiting the core principles.

      Thanks again for making it easy to stay on track and for providing the building blocks to take online businesses to the next level.

      -Sabrina

      Reply
    25. Nadine

      You are the Bomb! and listening to your easy to
      listen to videos, has helped me start my blogs.

      There are certain things I want to do and there
      are two subjects I am very passionate about.

      And with you I always feel encouraged to remain Focused and committed.

      I am slow I don’t learn at the rate of other
      people getting through high school. And graduating at the top of my business class was
      extremely hard to do. And none of my 2 year college education
      taught me too much about the Internet.

      But I did learn how to be an excellent customer
      service Rep. But I need to go forward and I am
      in Article writing. Thank You Eric

      Reply
    26. Colin Noden

      A running analogy you can probably relate to.
      Hi Eric,
      I used to do long distance running. When I hit the wall I would use telephone poles. I wouldn’t think of the miles ahead, but only concentrate on the next pole. I always seemed to be able to run to the next pole, even if another 10 miles seemed impossible.

      These days I make sure I accomplish at least one task a day which has real income potential. (eg. write article, post an ad,do an affiliate review)

      One focused step at a time!
      Thanks again,
      Colin

      Reply
    27. Enrique aguayo

      God Bless you Eric; you are what I cannot, at this time, capable of describing, all I know is that you ARE, down to earth, very sincere and helpful, I am based in the third world, fighting hard against chemical addiction and moving forward thanks to God and you, thank you again. Rick

      Reply
    28. ishtiaq

      Hi Eric,
      Just a few simple questions: -What time frame should we expect for completion of 120 lessons? We still have 103 more to go.
      -From which lesson no. may we expect to start our biz and hopefully start to see some $$$ coming our way? Or we’d have to wait till all 120 are completed before implementing lessons we learned here?
      While many of us understand that we must first learn the basics before venturing out but it is time that is taking for us to learn that is killing us. I do admire you for your time and for teaching us gratis tricks of the trade. God bless you and your family.

      Reply
    29. larry davis

      Bravo_Eric ,

      Your
      heart-to-heart value-tips…

      reflects interest for progress of
      IM community-at-large.

      There’s many who speak of :
      online-businesses on ‘auto-pilot’….

      Well ,
      developing good-habits + commitment Is_
      the Real ‘auto-pilot’ we seek…

      Makes us better persons , as well.

      Again :
      Bravo_

      Reply
    30. Government Grants Women Business

      Eric,

      I love reading your blog. Thanks for helping me move forward. Sometimes it is hard to keep going. You need to reach down inside to the thing that keeps you going. For each person, it is different. Most people are surprised to find out that money is not a good motivator, it will get you excited, and will get you started, but it will not sustain you. If you do not have something to keep you going, you will most likely fail.

      For me, it is unshakable faith in God and in my wife that keeps me plugging away when I’d rather do something else.

      Again, thanks for all your hard work.

      Reply
    31. Pete Moring

      Nice one Eric,

      Commitment is probably THE hardest thing of all.

      I think the ‘Fear Of Failure’ definitely eats away at it and we’re left ‘questioning’ out commitment in the first place. Or, we’re just not sure of the TRUE definition of ‘COMMITMENT’.

      Looking forward to the next video, (No matter how long it takes).

      Good to see you put ‘Family’ above all else.

      Pete.

      Reply
    32. Bob

      Hi Eric, For the last couple of evenings, while waiting for lesson 18, I reviewed some of material online from some of the other big name online marketers. I was shocked with one in particular, who I had purchased stuff from in the past. He used vulgarity on several occasions in his recent material. I’ve prayed for him and his family to receive revelation.

      It’s so refreshing to receive your material and video lessons. Not only is the content exciting and extremely informative, the spirit in which you present it is Godly. Keep up the wonderful work. (Matthew 5:16)

      Reply
    33. mohd ariff

      Hi Eric,
      We really admiring this lesson as it really touches our personal life. We can see the real pictures of commitments as you mentioned mariages & business.
      Our vision as to be successful Online & so Offline business. You show us the way, we learn to make as much as we can.
      The most important thing of this commitments, we will like make real money but not a dream money.
      Eric, you are not GURUs but you are genious Online business.

      Ths, regards
      Mohd Singapore

      Reply
    34. John

      Hi Eric, a great lesson as all of them have been. My problem in the past is maintaining motivation after I build a business.I have been very successful in the past,[offline] un-
      till I make the business a winner.When the challenge is over I lose interest. I hope to remedy that this time with your excellent teaching.Thank you, and thank your lovely family for sharing your time with us. John

      Reply
    35. Tom Curran

      Hey Eric,

      I am very impressed at all the FREE information you are providing. You have been very honest in this entire training program. It is difficult to find an Internet Marketing Guru who is willing to share so much valuable information.

      Eric, I really appreciate it and I am sure that a large number of your subscribers appreciate it too.

      Commitment is crucial when you enter this Internet Marketing arena or when you are trying to run an online business. The most important thing is to keep moving forward.

      If you ever attend a James Arthur Ray seminar, he talks about the importance of having a positive attitude and taking action to achieve your goals.

      Reply
    36. Michael T.

      I concur with several of the other bloggers who see the last 3 lessons in particular as having a positive and meaningful impact on my life. Even though many of us may be familiar with a lot of the concepts you’re sharing, what I particularly like is the organization and simplicity of the material. You have a great way of distilling the information from a lot of the classic books on these topics that has helped me to clean out and rebuild my mental, emotional, and faith -based infrastructure to prepare me as I face the upcoming task of facing the challenges of generating traffic that actually results in the sale of a product or service online. Not only have you reconnected a lot of the dots, you once again have me moving forward in the “action taking” mode. Great stuff Eric! Best Regards,
      Michael Tryk

      Reply
    37. Don

      Hi Eric,
      If my records are correct we’ve been in preseason for almost 2 months. Can’t wait to get started on the actual business process. Will we have to wait much longer?

      As always,
      Thank you for all your help.

      Don

      Reply
    38. Eric Post author

      Not much longer 🙂 Lesson 19 is where the rubber meets the road…

      Reply
    39. Angelina

      Hi Eric,
      I just watched the last two lessons in a row. And I can imagine how much time, effort and commitment you have put into each of them. I’ve learned a lot from all the lessons and I thank you deeply for these basic,foundational lessons. I’d say, it’s getting to be more challenging and serious each time. The action steps can no longer ignored:either I decide to commit and do each job daily or just quit and consider this as a hobby…But as I read the comments of other subscribers, with them, I say:take the challenge and commit to live the dream! Again, thanks a lot!

      Reply
    40. Mike Wong

      Hi Eric,
      Praise the Lord for such a wonderful lesson.
      To me,I think the “Fear of Failure” is the Stumbling-block to success. But with faith and the positive attitudes we can overcome any challenges that we’re facing in life.Commitment and perseverance will help us to stay focus on our goals!

      God’s name be praised,
      Mike Wong

      Reply
    41. Halina

      Hi Eric,
      I am very impressed at all your lessons. They are so useful and helpful.
      Thank you very very much.

      Reply
    42. Gregg Masters

      Hello Eric: Your commitment and passion to giving back shows; and I appreciate your responsiveness to that calling.

      I am tracking with your lessons as you parse them out. My passion and commitment, since being attracted to the power of the web, has always been to help the uninsured and now growing pool of under-insured in the US. So, I am per your suggestion and an internal confirmation that it is the “right” thing to do, following the call for the written exercise outlined.

      Keep up the good work. Once upon a time, I lived and worked in Greeley at the medical center, so I am not unfamiliar with the majestic beauty of the front range.

      Reply
    43. Daniel Malone

      Hey Eric,

      I think your real talent is beginning to show through, not that all the lessons haven’t been great. Your ability to weave so much crucial information into one comprehensive lesson shows an amazing insight. I wonder how many of us realize or recognize that these simple but really profound “tips” should be applied to all the facets of our lives. They are not just useful in this business context, but if mastered and applied in other areas of our lives, I am sure the successes are limitless.

      Great job!!!

      Big Dan

      Reply
    44. george

      All i can say is this is an awsome series of
      lessons cant thank you enough for what you have done to show the usually hidden qualities needed to run a successful online business im sure everyone will join me in a standing ovation thank you eric its brilliant

      clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap
      clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap

      george

      Reply

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