A day of questions for you.
I’ll begin to explain why as you continue, but first I need to ask:
How do you define commitments?
Do you honor your commitments?
Why or why not?
Do you expect others to honor their commitments?
Can you define for us what a covenant is?
What is the difference between a covenant and a commitment?
Do you enter into commitments? Covenants? Both? Or neither?
Why or why not?
Take some time to ponder these.
Please share your answers either below or privately through our Contact form.
Coming soon, here on Becoming Today, we are going to enter into a discussion about commitments. I would really like to have your input before we begin.
So thoughtfully reflect and respond. I’ll be watching and reading them as they come in for a few days so you can actively participate.
In the meantime I want to review some topics concerning commitment we’ve touched upon along our shared journey.
Now that we have made it through just a little more than half of this year, we can certainly say 20/20 + 1 has taken many steps in “Becoming”.
As we look back certainly some unexpected, unprecedented things have occurred. In addition to those issues we’ve witnessed in the headlines, I hope you have in your own ways been noting change as well. Positive changes. Measurable steps on your individual path to “Becoming”.
Extensive and thorough goal setting, as I’ve previously shared has been an important step for our household. Holding ourselves to some strict Standards and Practices, we in my household have set regular dates for goal review.
We committed to doing so because we wanted to be among the exceptions. Striving some might say to be part of a minority. When we examine the research into goal setting and New Year’s Resolutions, we learn that only half of all adults in the U.S. actively resolve to make the considerations. Of that half, only 10% will see it to fruition and 80% of those who do not, deem themselves a failure by just the second week in February.
That is why we have incorporated strict accountability measures into our plans for “Becoming”. From our household goals for 20/20 +1:
Overview & Purpose
Coming together as independent individuals, sharing a domicile, and intentionally setting our combined focus on becoming the strongest, most empowered God-fearing women we can be; it is vital we set these objectives, hopes and shared visions in writing, to make them truly achievable and to hold each of us and the “we” accountable.
Standards
- Emotional. Helping each other and fostering the atmosphere of the home.
- Financial. Necessary responsibilities and physical needs.
- Spiritual. Keeping individual and combined focus on the glory of God, always.
Verification
Accountability. Scheduled times to review. Bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress, questions and concerns plus the definitive dates for formal rewrites and adaptations:
- Since our original discussion of this we have also done so on the first of every month for May, June and July. But this template can work for whatever season or whenever you decide to start.
- February 1st. Initial review. Feelings? Suggestions? Immediate changes?
- March 1st. Growth should be seen in accountable standards.
- April 1st, no foolin’! Serious examination of our progress so far. Revisions necessary to continue becoming in Q2.
Each time we gathered together in the ‘Circle of Sharing’, also known as our kitchen table, to share, listen, learn and grow. Included in our family discussions were five questions formulated beforehand to guide the process.
- What have we done right? How can we do it again?
- What individual (personal) growth do you need to be supported?
- How does this enable the household to continue “Becoming”?
- When you make a decision, what happens?
- How do we deliver EXCELLENCE everyday?
We had (at the time) already in the first eight days (of the year) experienced positive changes.
In fact we did achieve one goal on our household renovation plan for the year. Seeing that project completed within the first five days of 20/20 + 1, a mere 3 ½ hours ahead of the deadline!
So after taking a moment for celebration and applauding ourselves , it was right back at it. With a successful completion, time for question #1: What have we done right and how can we do it again?
It was unanimous, verbal reinforcement of goals, their purpose and steps underway was cited as the top contributing factors in our early success. This dovetailed with another of our goals to always have an open, honest attitude of sharing and communicating in the home.
The personal growth and needs are just that private. I’ve mentioned before that because I’ve decided to go public with this concept and sharing, I’m still respecting the family’s right to privacy. That further allows them the space they need individually to grow and be “Becoming”.
I will say I was extremely happy with how open and honest each person ws with their response to question #2: What individual (personal) growth do you need to be supported? There were a few tears but in the end all were smiling.
Likewise for number three: How does this enable the household to continue “Becoming”? We were very direct in asking for the help we needed from each other. The challenge then was stepping outside of the “I”. Recognizing the needs for “me”, but being able to be focused on how a better “me” supports the “we”. It was truly a great team building exercise.
Number four was a question I formulated as a teaching moment. I knew the answer, lol, but asked each person with a ten second timer, to answer it. Here are some of the responses to “When you make a decision, what happens?”
- I change my mind
- Uh……….
- Nothing, I just get paralyzed
- I get distracted
- And one could not utter a syllable and just froze.
The answer was it either works or it doesn’t. Which prompts the follow up, “Then what?”
If it was successful you go on to the next step. If not, you make another decision, hopefully a better one from what you just learned and then you take another step along the path of “Becoming”.
The fifth and final question allows us to refocus and strengthen our commitments. How do we deliver EXCELLENCE everyday?
The combined answer was by honoring our commitments and continuing on towards our goals. I was so proud at that moment, because we are truly “Becoming” and transforming ourselves, our lives, our family and our home on so many levels.
We began today by asking you to consider some questions. I again will request that you please share your answers either below or privately through our Contact form.
Coming soon, we are going to enter into a discussion about commitments. I would really like to have your input before we begin.
So thoughtfully reflect and respond. I’ll be watching and reading them as they come in for a few days so you can actively participate.
What’s that?
You don’t remember what the questions were?
Well I can help.
Here they are again (you don’t even need to scroll back up!):
How do you define commitments?
Do you honor your commitments?
Why or why not?
Do you expect others to honor their commitments?
Can you define for us what a covenant is?
What is the difference between a covenant and a commitment?
Do you enter into commitments? Covenants?Both? Or neither?
Why or why not?
I’m waiting eagerly and I hope patiently for your responses.
Until we speak again, I pray you all enjoy a peaceful, blessed and reflective time along your portion of our shared journey here on Becoming Today
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 
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