Determining Your Level of Dedication: You Are What You Repeatedly Do

Gene Crawford
4 min readAug 17, 2023

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We are constantly seeking ways to improve ourselves, our work, and our relationships. We strive to be better, to do better, and to achieve more.

But what does it take to truly succeed? The answer is dedication.

Dedication is the key to achieving our goals, whether they be personal or professional. It is the ability to commit to something wholeheartedly, to work tirelessly towards a goal, and to persevere even when the going gets tough. But how do we determine our level of dedication? And how can we improve it? In this article, we will explore these questions and more.

Understanding Dedication

Dedication is more than just hard work or determination. It is a mindset, a way of life that involves making a conscious decision to commit to something and to see it through to the end, no matter what obstacles arise. Dedication requires sacrifice, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Those who are dedicated to their work, their relationships, and their goals often exhibit certain characteristics. They are persistent, focused, and driven. They are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve their objectives. They are also willing to make sacrifices in order to stay true to their commitments.

“You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

Determining Your Level of Dedication

So, how do you know if you are truly dedicated to something? Here are a few signs that may indicate a high level of dedication:

You Make Sacrifices

Dedicated individuals are often willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals. This may mean sacrificing time with friends and family, giving up hobbies or leisure activities, or even taking a lower-paying job in order to gain experience in a particular field.

You Are Persistent

Dedicated individuals are not deterred by setbacks or obstacles. They are persistent in their pursuit of their goals and will continue to work towards them even when things get difficult.

You Are Focused

Dedicated individuals have a clear sense of purpose and direction. They know what they want to achieve and are focused on taking the necessary steps to get there.

You Are Committed

Dedicated individuals are committed to their goals and will see them through to the end, no matter what challenges they may face along the way.

If you exhibit these characteristics, then you are likely a highly dedicated individual. However, even the most dedicated individuals can improve their level of dedication.

Improving Your Level of Dedication

There are several steps you can take to improve your level of dedication:

Set Clear Goals

In order to be dedicated to something, you must have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Set specific, measurable goals for yourself and work towards them consistently.

Create a Plan

Once you have set your goals, create a plan for achieving them. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks and create a timeline for completing each one.

Stay Focused

It is easy to get distracted by other things in life, but staying focused on your goals is essential if you want to be dedicated. Eliminate distractions and stay committed to your plan.

Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude can help you stay motivated and dedicated, even when things get tough. Surround yourself with positive people and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Practice Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is key to maintaining a high level of dedication. Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Avoid procrastination and stay committed to your goals.

By following these steps, you can improve your level of dedication and achieve greater success in all areas of your life.

No ZERO Days

The phrase “no zero days” in the context of creativity refers to a motivational concept that encourages individuals to ensure that they make some progress or engage in a creative activity every single day, without exception. It means dedicating even a small amount of time and effort each day towards one’s creative pursuits, rather than allowing a day to pass without any form of creative engagement.

The idea behind “no zero days” is to maintain a consistent and regular practice of creativity, even if the progress is incremental. By committing to this principle, individuals can prevent creative stagnation and build momentum over time. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest steps or achievements contribute to the overall growth and development of one’s creative skills and projects.

Conclusion

Dedication is essential to achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and a strong work ethic, but the rewards are well worth it. By determining your level of dedication and taking steps to improve it, you can achieve greater success and satisfaction in all areas of your life.

Remember, you are what you repeatedly do. So, choose to be dedicated to the things that matter most to you and work towards them consistently. With dedication and hard work, anything is possible.

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Gene Crawford

Sensei, Blackbelt in Karate, CrossFit, BJJ Practitioner. Gym Owner at Warrior Fitness. Co-founder of SOCO & Period Three a web design firm.