Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. It’s been a month, and if you’re anything like me, it’s hard to follow through on these vague goals with no deadlines.

Do you feel guilty about not making progress? Do you say that you “should” take action, but put it off to tomorrow?

It’s easy to go month after month waiting, then regretting it.

There’s one method that’s allowed me to reach my goals. It’s what separates my successes and my failures.

Commitment.

Last fall, I decided I was going to take the GRE. I bought a few books and was ready to go. But week after week passed, and I was barely getting any studying done. There just wasn’t any urgency or desire for me.

I knew what I had to do: sign up for a test date. I did just that, for February, even though I was nowhere close to ready. Guess what? My studying immediately improved, I dedicated time every weekend after that, and I got a score I was happy with.

I’m offering you a challenge. Think about one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never taken action.

Commit to that one goal in the next week, and take the plunge.

What’s the alternative? Another year of waiting for the magical right moment of motivation? The truth is that there is never a “right time” for anything. Dreams and goals happen from taking action before you’re ready.

What are you going to commit to?