There is a common phrase that says: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I know that most of us have heard it. The problem is that we all too often take it, and other so-called "conventional wisdom" as truth.Read that phrase again: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
What is conjured up in your mind - what do you think of - when you contemplate those words?
If you're like most, you believe, for whatever reason, that after a certain age, you can't learn anything new. That, after a certain point, an 'old dog' cannot do anything about who they are or what they are able to do to change
course of their life and it's direction, level of happiness or ability to produce results that they would like to see.
The old dog in phrase doesn't have to be 'old' in sense of years though. I've met many people several years my junior, who believe that because they've done so many things a certain way, that, for them at least, any other way is out of question.
And therein lies theme for this article. For, it is belief in so-called 'truths' like this one that most often prevents otherwise powerful people - individuals filled with potential for greatness - to break through to happiness and success they seek.
Although, there are many that contribute to your overall progress, we'll be focusing on success trait of 'commitment.' The dictionary describes commitment as a 'duty,' 'promise,' 'responsibility,' or 'pledge.' And, each of these key words can be used to focus our intention on breaking free of these self and outwardly imposed limiting beliefs to unleash our own power to be what we choose. Understanding with clarity and focus will allow us to set up our lives in a way that danger cannot touch us, and if it did it would be dealt with . . . quickly and decisively.
Let's look at each of these 'keys' to commitment, as they relate to concept of Warriorship and our desire to engage world in a positive, productive, way in order to better understand why we must grab opportunity (or as a great poet reminded us to "seize day!") for growth whenever possible.
Duty
Related to concept of leadership, each one of is a role model in life of at least one other person. Regardless of whether you are a parent or not, someone is looking at how you move, act, speak and like. And, they are deciding for themselves about these actions. If they like what they see, even if you would call something a bad habit, they may embrace that 'habit' as a truth to be lived up to. They want to be "just like you." If we are truly concerned about fate of others and our influence over their lives in a positive way, it is our duty to be best 'example' that we can be. We don't have to literally be a teacher, or have a job whose official title says "leader," but, we are an example that others are following. The question we must ask ourselves is, "how do I take control of way I inspire or motivate others?"
Promise
This key can be seen to be a reflection of water realm of clarity and truth and wind realm of accomplishment through action. When we make a promise, we communicate something, in form of a truth that others can rely on. Much like commitment that two people make to each other when they get married, a promise is creation of something that creates safety and security for another. And, it is outward, 'other' focus that make a promise an important aspect of commitment and our ability to get necessary help from others when we need it. The question here is, "what benefit will others (and myself) receive if I succeed in my endeavor?"
