In life, there are always obstacles and challenges that we will have to face head-on if we want to achieve our goals. And those issues are not easy. So, often we give up too easily when things get tough. We allow our fears and doubts to get the best of us, and before we know it, we have talked ourselves out of what we wanted. But with real commitment, that is not an option. We will do whatever it takes to reach our goals because we are determined to succeed no matter what.
What is a commitment?
In short, a commitment is to sacrifice your desires to do something else you care about more. A commitment is a pledge to do something. It can be a formal or informal agreement and can be made with yourself or with another person or group of people.
A commitment at work is a promise to do something or act in a certain way. Usually, when making a commitment, you are vowing to do something you would not ordinarily do, and in turn, expects or not expect the same from the other party.
Every commitment you make strengthens your character and helps you grow as an individual. Some commitments might be hard ones that take demanding work and determination, while others may be easier but are still important.
Why commitment is important?
In a personal sense, being committed to something (anything) can provide a feeling of purpose and fulfillment. It can give our lives direction and meaning and help us stay focused on what is important.
Commitment also breeds discipline, which is essential for achieving any major goal. And, when we are deeply committed to something, we will do whatever it takes to see it through — no matter how difficult or challenging the task may be.
From a professional standpoint, commitment is equally vital. Without it, there is no foundation on which to build trust with your team members, customers, co-workers, or boss.
Professional commitment is the emotional connection an employee feels to their job and the workplace. When employee is committed to their jobs, they put in the extra effort to do their work on time and to a high standard.
Professional commitment inspires others to trust one another which is key for teamwork. When people depend on each other to get the job done, commitment becomes vital.
What are examples of commitments?
Commitments can be small or large, easy or difficult, but all are important. Whatever they may be, each is valuable in making you a better person.
Here are 15 examples of commitments in the workplace that you can draw inspiration from:
1. Feeling happy to be at work
One of the commitment examples is being genuinely happy to be at work first thing in the morning, welcoming colleagues with a smile, and the expectation of working together.
Not everyone is thrilled to go to work first thing in the morning, but at least act like you are. You do not have to be miserable or disgruntled.
It is great to be enthusiastic and happy at work, and it is especially important to show your commitment by being one of the first people in the office in the morning.
Greeting your co-workers and being polite and professional sets the tone for the day. It shows that you are committed to your job and take it seriously.
That sends a signal to your co-workers and supervisors that you take your job seriously and are ready to work hard.
2. Working hard beyond necessary
A commitment to work ethic is the willingness to work hard beyond what is necessary. It can be something simple like staying late at work, or it could mean sacrificing your time to do something.
Being dedicated to your work ethic shows that you are committed to the tasks you undertake, whether they are personal or professional. You can make a difference in your work by simply doing more than expected.
A commitment to working hard separates the good from the great in any field. Having talent means nothing if you cannot push yourself through any obstacle and work your way to the top.
Read also: 12 Examples of What to Tell Your Manager to Improve On
3. Apologising for making a mistake
An apology is an act of commitment. When you apologize, you are pledging to do better in the future. You are sacrificing your pride to mend a relationship or situation that has gone wrong.
It takes courage to admit we are wrong, and by doing so, you signal that you are willing to do whatever it takes to collect a mistake or repair the relationship.
By doing this, you show that you want to put the needs of others before your own and that you can take responsibility for your actions.
4. Coming to work while dealing with a personal crisis
Continuing to work even when you have a major personal crisis going on in your life — a relative is sick.
Some people will take compassionate leave for these reasons, but some will continue to work regardless of the challenges they are going through at home.
That is because they feel an obligation to their job. They commit themselves to the work by working while dealing with something difficult in their personal life.
5. Thanking people for their constructive criticism
When someone accosts you with criticism or offers advice, be receptive and thank them for their input. Let them know that you appreciate the information and put feedback into your work.
Thanking someone for the feedback shows that you respect the person even if you might not agree with everything they said.
It also demonstrates a commitment to your work and willingness to get better at it, which will make it more likely that they will approach you with more suggestions or critiques in the future.
That shows you are open to constructive criticism, are willing to put in the work necessary to improve your job performance, and are committed to doing so.
6. Giving credit to others without expecting praise
It is a commitment to give credit to others without expecting to praise yourself and show your integrity in the workplace.
It is an expression of humility and respect and shows that you are committed to the team and its success, rather than seeking personal recognition or accolades.
It also sends the message that you believe in a collaborative effort and that everyone on the team is important. This type of behavior builds trust and collaboration among co-workers, leading to a more productive work environment.
Read more: 16 Character Traits of a Hard Worker
7. Cancelling personal plans if it is better for the company
Canceling personal plans can be a difficult decision to make. But there may be times when canceling your plans is better for the company than for you personally.
When you put the company first, it shows your commitment and dedication to your work. It sends the message that you are flexible and willing to make sacrifices for the good of your team or the company.
And finally, it shows that you are team-oriented and who put the needs of others before your own.
8. Doing overtime without expecting compensation
It is a sign of commitment whenever you put in extra hours at work without expecting compensation. This shows that you want the company and its success.
It can also be seen as a sign of trust since the company relies on the employee to take on more work without any added compensation. It is a gesture that proves the employee’s loyalty and dedication to the company.
9. Taking on an unfamiliar assignment
When your boss comes to you for help on an unfamiliar assignment, it can be tempting to say no. You are not familiar with the task or already busy with your work.
However, saying no in this situation sends the wrong message — it shows that you are not willing to help your manager or the team.
It may not be something you are familiar with, but that does not mean you cannot learn quickly and jump in with both feet.
You learn something whenever you work on new assignments. The key is to be proactive and ask questions if you do not understand something.
Sticking your neck out for the boss can also pay off in other ways. For example, if there is ever a time when you need help from that person, they are more likely to be responsive since you have already shown your commitment and willingness to help.
So, while there may be some inherent risk in taking on an unfamiliar task, the potential rewards make it worthwhile for any committed employee.
10. Take on a role you are overqualified for
Another work commitment example is accepting taking on a role in which you are overqualified without hoping you will have an opportunity later to advance to a position that matches your qualifications and experience.
Some people only want to take a role that fits their skills or abilities. Also, accepting to cover a position of higher responsibility but with little or no increase in compensation.
Taking on extra responsibility can lead to advancement opportunities down the road, especially if it is done voluntarily rather than because someone else asked you to do it. That is one example of how someone commits themselves to the organization.
Read also: 12 Examples of Resilience at Work
11. Commit to self-improvement
A commitment to self-improvement is a pledge you make to yourself to be the best person you can be. It is believing in yourself and working towards being better personally and professionally.
As you go about your day-to-day life, many different experiences can teach you something new or help you become better at what you do.
If there is a new challenge you want to take on, do not sit around waiting for it to come your way. Commit to learning it on your own.
You will learn more by your own, and you might surprise yourself when you discover you are capable of more than you ever knew.
12. Coming in on your scheduled day off
Coming in on my scheduled day off just because there is work that needs to do shows a level of dedication and is admirable.
When there is no pressure for you to come in and the only reason you will do it is that you feel obligated to your co-workers and want to help them out, this is an example of showing commitment.
It is your attitude towards work that determines your level of commitment. If you are committed to your job, you will come to work regardless of the situation. And it will have a positive impact on everyone around you.
13. Volunteering to take on tasks outside your role
Volunteering to take on tasks outside your role because no one else wants them – A true sign of a supportive employee is when they do not mind taking on work that no one else wants to do.
That could be anything from covering a shift for a co-worker or taking on an assignment that others do not want to do so the team can move faster and more effectively.
14. Staying after work so the rest of the team can finish
It shows commitment and dedication to the team when someone stays after work to help everyone else finish. It shows that you are willing to put the team first and not just concerned with your workload.
That sort of attitude is appreciated by managers and teammates alike, and it can help to build good relationships within the workplace.
Read also: 11 Good Examples of Showing Initiative at Work
15. Staying committed to unfulfilling work
It can be tough to stay committed to your work when it is not what you thought it would be.
If you are not enjoying what you are doing, it is much easier to move on to something else. However, there is no guarantee moving on to something else will be fulfilling either.
Sometimes we need to be patient with ourselves and accept that what we are doing today might not be the best, but it will surely get better with time.
We all experience some dissatisfaction at work. But the people committed to their job get past that quickly and look for ways of making things better.
Disappointments are inevitable parts of life, but taking them too seriously or dwelling on them, is not.
It is how you deal with those disappointments that determine your level of success. If you can stay committed to your work, even when it is not what you thought it would be, then you may be on the path to achieving Wonderfull things.
Conclusion
So, if you want to show your commitment at work, set high standards for yourself and always do your best. Be reliable and ready to help whenever needed.
Sometimes we need a little help from others to show our commitment at work, but it is up to us whether we want success. And remember that dedication and hard work are the keys to success.
How do you show your commitment in the workplace? Leave your comment in the box below