Personal Development: "Be All In and Give It All You've Got"

 "Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out if they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you." - William James

If you want to succeed in anything you do, you must be all in.  It applies to everything you do. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Whether it's in a team environment, in business, your significant other or spouse, but most  importantly, it really all begins with you. So, what do you have to do to be all in and give it all you've got?

1. Commit yourself. You must make a commitment to your goal, team, the people involved and the outcome.  Just having a passion or desire is not enough.  A desire is a want and that's it, just like a passion.  We desire, along with being passionate, all the time. But, how many of those desires or passions have you actually followed through on or acquired?  Wanting something is not enough and it certainly doesn’t mean being all in or giving it all you've got.  It’s more than words, wants or desires; it's a promise.  People of integrity and real leaders keep their promises, therefore honoring their commitment.
2.  Hold yourself accountable. True accountability can only come from you.  You're the only one who can hold you accountable.  And to make it work, you must allow others to hold you accountable as well.   Success is never found on your own, it always takes other people to help in one way or another.  If you're not willing to be held accountable to the commitment you have made or for what you have to do or say you're going to do, then you're not really all in and you're not giving it your all... it's that simple.
3. Be dependable. Being consistent with your word shows, not only others that you're trustworthy and dependable, but yourself too.  When people stand in support of you, they know they can count on you to do what you say you're going to do. You build trust with them. It's like this, if you can't count on someone to follow through, then you learn very quickly you can’t rely on them and you will foster little trust in them and eventually you won’t waste your time on them, right?  Well, that's how it is with you too... it's a two-way street! Be willing to be all in, because those that are all in will to have leave you behind if you're not dependable. They will not give up their commitment to achieve their dream for one who can’t give it their all.

What you really need to know by being all in or giving it all you've got, is that you can't quit or stop because things get rough or life becomes difficult and gets in the way.  There will always be excuses or reasons that can get in your way and stop you from doing anything, if you let it.  This maybe a good time to change you thoughts, behavior or attitude before you begin justifying your lack of commitment.  Your actions or lack thereof, will always speak louder than words.  Remember no one finds success on their own, help from other people is always needed, some way, some how.  There's no such thing as a self-made millionaire. So know where you're going, enjoy the journey, be all in … and give it all you've got all along the way.