The Commitment of Success

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The commitment of successIt’s scary being unsure. It’s a lot different from being sure. Instead of the safety net of knowledge, there’s the daunting chasm of uncertainty. It’s not easy to step from the warmth of the old to the chill of the new.

The same goes for commitment.

It takes a lot to commit. Especially if you’re someone that needs certain guarantees before you make the leap. Otherwise the check book is staying in your pocket until the next discussion.

The problem is, while you’re being unsure of commitment because of the uncertainty over success, your competitors are enjoying success because of the certainty in their commitment.

A slight difference in wording but a big difference in results.

So what can you do?

Accept Uncertainty

Remember when you were learning to drive and you thought you’d never get the hang of it? You just couldn’t get used to clutch control, or reverse parking, or even the simple ten-to-two hand position? We all did it; and we all thought the same thing.

Then there was that one pivotal lesson where everything just fell into place and the next thing we knew, we were driving. Make your uncertainty your penultimate driving lesson.

  • Accept that not knowing everything at a given moment in time is natural.
  • Think of how many have been in the same position as you are now, but made it through.
  • Believe that failure this time isn’t the end. No-one gets it right first time; great success is built from second chances.

Uncertainty is a natural emotion when we’re faced with something new. If familiarity breeds contempt, then fresh breeds caution.

There’s nothing wrong with caution; it keeps us alert and ready to make changes in direction if needed. It’s when we let uncertainty and caution combine that stops us from moving in the first place.

It’s this combination that can lead to the fear of commitment. But if you need success before commitment, you’ll never have either.

What choice will you make?

image: woodleywonderworks

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About Danny

Danny Brown is Chief Technologist at ArCompany and an award-winning marketer and blogger. His blog is recognized as the #1 marketing blog in the world by HubSpot. Danny is also co-author of Influence Marketing: How to Create, Manage and Measure Brand Influencers in Social Media Marketing.

87 comments
Vasko
Vasko

Excellent post! 

As you've pointed out, culture of doing may not lead always to desired outcomes, but commitment leads to discipline and actions that in turn lead to growth and success. 

Vasko
Vasko

Excellent post!  As you've pointed out, culture of doing may not lead always to desired outcomes, but commitment leads to discipline and actions that in turn lead to growth and success. 

WayneLifestyle
WayneLifestyle

Obviously its an awesome post. I want to follow this post to become more and more successful. Thanks for this great post.

WayneLifestyle
WayneLifestyle

Obviously its an awesome post. I want to follow this post to become more and more successful. Thanks for this great post.

evoque
evoque like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Very true Danny!

I'm in the middle of building my first startup called Evoque - a web collaboration platform for PR and Media pros, and I can't be sure what future brings, but I am committed to take the risks and try to succeed. If it fails, well ... I will learn from mistakes and build something better.

The most important is positive thinking, never give up and carry on! :)

Danny Brown
Danny Brown moderator

 @evoque You know who would be a great person to look at this? @Gini Dietrich - her and I have been crying out against poor PR/media relations for the longest time now, especially if you can help with blogger relations too.

 

Like @Keith Hayes , would be interested in hearing more, mate. :)

Keith Hayes
Keith Hayes like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @evoque I would to hear more about your company. My name is Keith Hayes and I'm a soon to be graduate from Flagler College. Please feel free to contact me at keith.alan.hayes@gmail.com. Thank you for the post! 

evoque
evoque like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Keith Hayes Hi Keith! Sure, I will drop you an email, explaining what Evoque is :) Soon we will be doing testing within all interested PR and Media professionals (and aspiring individuals like yourself :), if you are interested in testing, sign up for it on our main website www.evoquepr.com and I will send you the details when testing becomes available. Great hearing from you and let's keep in touch!

evoque
evoque

 @Keith Hayes  Hi Keith! I'm happy to hear that! You can reach me on kamila@evoquepr.com, you can also sign up on evoquepr.com and I will send a notification when testing becomes available (within next 2-4 weeks).

I'm working very hard on understanding problems which PR, bloggers and journalists face. I hope Evoque will solve most of them. However, there is nothing more important than feedback from the actual users. 

Thanks for your time!

 

Kamila

Keith Hayes
Keith Hayes like.author.displayName 1 Like

Thanks for the response I'm always interested in new exciting and innovative companies. Is the evoque email the best to reach you at?

evoque
evoque

Very true Danny! I'm in the middle of building my first startup called Evoque - a web collaboration platform for PR and Media pros, and I can't be sure what future brings, but I am committed to take the risks and try to succeed. If it fails, well ... I will learn from mistakes and build something better. The most important is positive thinking, never give up and carry on! :)

BobReed
BobReed

 @evoque My curiosity is piqued. 

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

 @evoque You know who would be a great person to look at this? Gini Dietrich - her and I have been crying out against poor PR/media relations for the longest time now, especially if you can help with blogger relations too.   Like @Keith Hayes , would be interested in hearing more, mate. :)

ginidietrich
ginidietrich

 @DannyBrown  @evoque  Gini Dietrich  Yes, I'd definitely like to take a look.

evoque
evoque

 @ginidietrich  @DannyBrown  Gini Dietrich Perfect! I'm so happy! What's the best email I can reach you? I will notify you when testing becomes available (within next 2-4 weeks). Thank you SO MUCH guys! Your help means the world to me. 

Keith Hayes
Keith Hayes

 @evoque I would to hear more about your company. My name is Keith Hayes and I'm a soon to be graduate from Flagler College. Please feel free to contact me at keith.alan.hayes@gmail.com. Thank you for the post! 

evoque
evoque

 @Keith Hayes Hi Keith! Sure, I will drop you an email, explaining what Evoque is :) Soon we will be doing testing within all interested PR and Media professionals (and aspiring individuals like yourself :), if you are interested in testing, sign up for it on our main website www.evoquepr.com and I will send you the details when testing becomes available. Great hearing from you and let's keep in touch!

evoque
evoque

 @Keith Hayes  Hi Keith! I'm happy to hear that! You can reach me on kamila@evoquepr.com, you can also sign up on evoquepr.com and I will send a notification when testing becomes available (within next 2-4 weeks). I'm working very hard on understanding problems which PR, bloggers and journalists face. I hope Evoque will solve most of them. However, there is nothing more important than feedback from the actual users.  Thanks for your time!   Kamila

evoque
evoque

 @Keith Hayes Hi Keith! I'm happy to hear that! It's kamila@evoquepr.com. You can also sign up on evoquepr.com and I will send a notification when testing becomes available (within next 2-4 weeks). I'm working very hard on understanding problems faced by PR, bloggers and journalists and I really really hope Evoque will solve most of their problems. However, there is nothing more valuable like feedback from the users. I really appreciate you trying to help!   Thanks! Kamila

Keith Hayes
Keith Hayes

Thanks for the response I'm always interested in new exciting and innovative companies. Is the evoque email the best to reach you at?

kategroom
kategroom

@ginidietrich @DannyBrown Wonderful! I sooo needed reminding about commitment today.

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

@kategroom @ginidietrich Thanks Kate, glad it resonated :)

kategroom
kategroom

@ginidietrich @DannyBrown Wonderful! I sooo needed reminding about commitment today.

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

@kategroom @ginidietrich Thanks Kate, glad it resonated :)

KRLRose
KRLRose like.author.displayName 1 Like

 

When we are unsure we are alive. Don't know who said it but it was not me.:)  Committment is everything without taking the risk on failure or success we never know what might have been. One thing for sure is we are going to die so we might as well go teeling that we experienced everything we possibly could whilst kicking and screaming. I did it. I did it. I did it. 

 

Hola Danny 

KRLRose
KRLRose

  When we are unsure we are alive. Don't know who said it but it was not me.:)  Committment is everything without taking the risk on failure or success we never know what might have been. One thing for sure is we are going to die so we might as well go teeling that we experienced everything we possibly could whilst kicking and screaming. I did it. I did it. I did it.    Hola Danny 

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

 @Grit08 Love that quote, mate - so true!   And completely agree - I don't want to be on my deathbed and thinking, "What if" or "If only". Here's to fulfilment. 

iTranscribe
iTranscribe like.author.displayName 1 Like

Commitment is the most important thing when you are going for any work, first commit and then move forward to complete that commitment. Success will be with you if you go with this philosophy with full effort.

iTranscribe
iTranscribe

Commitment is the most important thing when you are going for any work, first commit and then move forward to complete that commitment. Success will be with you if you go with this philosophy with full effort.

JudyDunn
JudyDunn like.author.displayName 1 Like

Hey, Danny. You got those wheels in my head turning. Again. Release the need to know everything? I'm with you on that. NOT knowing is what makes life an adventure! I had a quote on my classroom wall when I taught gifted kids. "I'd rather know some of the questions than all of the answers." (French philosopher Emile Chartier). It was also a gentle nudge to consider all points of view and—yes—have the freedom to change your mind if you find  better solution to a problem. Interesting that politicians (both sides) are called flip-floppers if they change their mind ion an issue. I think it just shows that, with new information, you sometimes make better choices. 

 

It is WAY too easy to get comfortable in life, to not take risks. The two times I did took the leap into the unknown (leaving teaching to travel to Africa and work in third world development; and leaving our company to devote myself to becoming an author), I can just say that I haven't regretted one second of it. Very inspiring post, my friend. 

Danny Brown
Danny Brown moderator

 @JudyDunn Hey there Judy,

 

LOVE that quote - so simple and yet so perfect and true. I may just have to frame that on my wall. :)

 

What I love about fluidity and accepting uncertainty is that it doesn't have to tie just into business. Blogging; relationships; food choices; vacations - you can pretty much look at anything you do, and know that just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it always needs to be forevermore.

 

Here's to no regrets, miss!

JudyDunn
JudyDunn

Hey, Danny. You got those wheels in my head turning. Again. Release the need to know everything? I'm with you on that. NOT knowing is what makes life an adventure! I had a quote on my classroom wall when I taught gifted kids. "I'd rather know some of the questions than all of the answers." (French philosopher Emile Chartier). It was also a gentle nudge to consider all points of view and—yes—have the freedom to change your mind if you find  better solution to a problem. Interesting that politicians (both sides) are called flip-floppers if they change their mind ion an issue. I think it just shows that, with new information, you sometimes make better choices.    It is WAY too easy to get comfortable in life, to not take risks. The two times I did took the leap into the unknown (leaving teaching to travel to Africa and work in third world development; and leaving our company to devote myself to becoming an author), I can just say that I haven't regretted one second of it. Very inspiring post, my friend. 

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

 @JudyDunn Hey there Judy,   LOVE that quote - so simple and yet so perfect and true. I may just have to frame that on my wall. :)   What I love about fluidity and accepting uncertainty is that it doesn't have to tie just into business. Blogging; relationships; food choices; vacations - you can pretty much look at anything you do, and know that just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it always needs to be forevermore.   Here's to no regrets, miss!

Leon
Leon like.author.displayName 1 Like

G'Day Danny,

I notice that someone's written"effing" in their comment.

I just wish that bloggers and commenters would commit to using real swear words  instead of these f.....g euphebloodymisms!

 

I guess that I first got an inkling about commitment when we had our first child. I realised that she was totally dependent on us for her survival. Then I realised that my parents must've had the same experience with me. I'm telling ya Danny, there would've been times in later years when they'd have been tempted to suspect that they'd overcommitted.

 

Eventually I became a grandparent. It's the reward you get for committing to your children. All bets are off and you can be as mischievous as you're game to be. 

By the way: why do grandchildren and grandparents get on so well? They share a common enemy. Our 18 year old granddaughter thinks that's one of the funniest things she's ever heard. Her parents aren't even mildly amused.

 

Is that commitment? Maybe, maybe not; but it's fun

Best Wishes

Leon

Danny Brown
Danny Brown moderator

 @Leon That @Erika Napoletano has a lot to answer for, mate. ;-)

 

You know, I love that example you use of grandparents and grandchildren, it's so true. I remember being around 7-8 years old, and I always plotted with my grandpa when it came to putting one over on my mum.

 

Her dad, too - he was a cheeky bugger, and best teacher I ever had at a lot of things.

 

Cheers, mate - have a wonderful Easter!

Leon
Leon

G'Day Danny, I notice that someone's written"effing" in their comment. I just wish that bloggers and commenters would commit to using real swear words  instead of these f.....g euphebloodymisms!   I guess that I first got an inkling about commitment when we had our first child. I realised that she was totally dependent on us for her survival. Then I realised that my parents must've had the same experience with me. I'm telling ya Danny, there would've been times in later years when they'd have been tempted to suspect that they'd overcommitted.   Eventually I became a grandparent. It's the reward you get for committing to your children. All bets are off and you can be as mischievous as you're game to be.  By the way: why do grandchildren and grandparents get on so well? They share a common enemy. Our 18 year old granddaughter thinks that's one of the funniest things she's ever heard. Her parents aren't even mildly amused.   Is that commitment? Maybe, maybe not; but it's fun Best Wishes Leon

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

 @Leon That Erika Napoletano has a lot to answer for, mate. ;-)   You know, I love that example you use of grandparents and grandchildren, it's so true. I remember being around 7-8 years old, and I always plotted with my grandpa when it came to putting one over on my mum.   Her dad, too - he was a cheeky bugger, and best teacher I ever had at a lot of things.   Cheers, mate - have a wonderful Easter!

Craig McBreen
Craig McBreen like.author.displayName 1 Like

Hi Danny,

 

I don't think you can be a successful entrepreneur without learning to accept uncertainty & embrace discomfort.

 

It's about not taking the comfortable, easy route each time. Jump directly into uncertainty and give it a punch in the kisser ... You did a way better job of articulating that though ;-)

 

Bang on, as usual! ;)

Danny Brown
Danny Brown moderator like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Craig McBreen Agreed, mate - look at Richard Branson and his decision to take on the might of British Airways, not even knowing if all his funding would come through. Sometimes you have to say go big or go home - because at least you tried if you do falter.

 

Then you just get up, dust yourself off, and get back at the buggers!

Craig McBreen
Craig McBreen like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @DannyBrown 

Yes, Mr. Branson is something!

 

"Then you just get up, dust yourself off, and get back at the buggers!"

--Ha ha, I love that talk!

Craig McBreen
Craig McBreen

Hi Danny,   I don't think you can be a successful entrepreneur without learning to accept uncertainty & embrace discomfort.   It's about not taking the comfortable, easy route each time. Jump directly into uncertainty and give it a punch in the kisser ... You did a way better job of articulating that though ;-)   Bang on, as usual! ;)

DannyBrown
DannyBrown

 @Craig McBreen Agreed, mate - look at Richard Branson and his decision to take on the might of British Airways, not even knowing if all his funding would come through. Sometimes you have to say go big or go home - because at least you tried if you do falter.   Then you just get up, dust yourself off, and get back at the buggers!

Craig McBreen
Craig McBreen

 @DannyBrown  Yes, Mr. Branson is something!   "Then you just get up, dust yourself off, and get back at the buggers!" --Ha ha, I love that talk!

wmwebdes
wmwebdes

Well written piece Danny. "It’s not easy to step from the warmth of the old to the chill of the new." Now that is very good.

Howie Goldfarb
Howie Goldfarb like.author.displayName 1 Like

If you have uncertainty it means so do others. Which means opportunity!

 

I see this in mobile marketing. There are a huge variety of plays being bet from push to pull to banner ads to apps to geo fences to sms text alerts. This is because know one is certain what works. maybe many do. Maybe none do. But this means opportunity!


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