Inner commitments create external guardrails. Your core values act like a rudder for your decisions. When you pre-commit to a certain behavior, it is much easier to discipline yourself to follow through in the moment. Being prepared for what lies ahead empowers you to be successful when you get there. I like how boxer Joe Frazier put it: “You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you’re down to your reflexes—that means your preparation. That’s where your road-work shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, well, you’re going to get found out now, under the bright lights.” 

The secret to making good choices is to make the choice before you have to make the choice. Commitment on the front end helps you follow through on the back end. Deciding to live by faith before challenging circumstances arrive in your life will prepare you to live victoriously when you encounter them. 

When you give yourself an, “If this happens, then I will…” type of commitment, it can keep you in the lane of discipline. For example, if you are trying to lose weight and have been invited to a party where the desserts served will be a temptation, then you can make the decision beforehand how to respond to that situation. “If I am offered dessert, then I will politely decline and drink a glass of water instead.” Or, if you are going shopping, you could predetermine the amount you will spend. “If I see something over my allotted budget, then I will not purchase it until I save the money in cash.” 

It works with relationships, too. If you are going to be in the company of someone who has exhibited a pattern of making hurtful comments, you can decide beforehand how you will handle that inevitability. “If Jane intentionally or unintentionally puts me down, then I will choose to forgive her and free myself from her comment.” Deciding to walk in forgiveness before someone hurts you prepares you to respond with humility rather than having a knee-jerk reaction in the moment. Don’t spend today repairing yesterday’s mistakes. Take time today to prepare for tomorrow. Make the internal decisions now that will guide your outward activity later. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.”

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.