Any time we start something new it is exciting and we are very motivated and committed. As time goes by, however, the burst of enthusiasm can wane as the reality of how much work is going to be involved kicks in. When you find yourself slacking a little and not being as enthused about the new change or goal you are working towards, that isn't a sign to quit. It is a sign that it is time to re-commit.

I am in the fourth month of my "New Program" of eating right and exercise. The first three months I was excited, enthused and rearing to go. However, I have found that the last month has been a tad more challenging and I have begun to slip a bit in my new exercise and eating habits. As I waned so did my results, which made me think it wasn't working. Closer examination revealed that it wasn't the system that wasn't working; any system will work if you work it. But, it isn't magic. It takes effort and, most of all, commitment. When I realized that my commitment had slipped I recommitted and got back on track. This is all part of the process and I don't see my temporary slide in commitment as a failure. I see it as an opportunity to strengthen my resolve and continue on the journey.

The more you renew your commitment the stronger it will be. Commitment isn't a magic pill, take it once and you've got it. Commitment is something that needs to be tended to, adjusted and strengthened. I have begun to renew my commitment every day, which helps to remind me how much I really want to make this change work and stick. You might not have to renew your commitment as often, but it does pay to check in and see where you are on the commitment scale. If you notice that you are not where you want to be with your goals it might just be that it is time to renew your commitment.