Over the last month, a blue 2-inch square Post-It note has been stuck to my laptop, next to my keyboard. It says one word: Commit. It's there to remind me that my decision -- in this case, to participate in a 5K race in mid-July -- happens on a daily basis. I've thought a lot about commitment over the past 60 days, particularly about why it happens, and why so often it does not. Do you want change to really happen in your life? Here are three things to consider:

1. Commit to change.
Change is hard. We get settled into our comfortable habits, and inertia is a surprisingly strong force. If you truly want to change, you have to decide that you sincerely want it, and that you will not stop until it happens. As Yoda explains the power of the Force to Luke Skywalker: "Do or do not. There is no try." (Here's the YouTube clip.) Saying you'll "try" something is tantamount to admitting defeat before you even begin.

2. Commit to yourself.
The strongest reason to change is for yourself, not for outside validation. Trying to change to make someone else happy, to fulfill expectations, or to accommodate others often boomerangs into resentment and no ultimate improvement. Change because you want to make yourself, and your life, better. (Which may mean better relationships or better results in your business.)

3. Commit to now.
It may take you months (or years!) to make a change, but I believe that true change happens in a moment. It's that instant when you say, "The status quo no longer acceptable. I want more." It's a conscious decision that now is the time. It's not in a day, a week, a month, or a year -- when you'll "be ready." Once that mental switch happens, you're on the other side and change is a reality. (Not that there won't be temptations to backslide -- hence, my Post-It note as a daily reminder. Colleagues to hold you accountable are invaluable, too -- such as a MasterMind group.)

2010 is officially half over. What items have been lingering on your roster of things you want to achieve this year? Revisit your list, scratch those that no longer hold interest, and pick ONE that will have the greatest impact in your life or your solo business. It's time to commit.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com