People live with commitment every day. We measure it in ourselves and others, and relate to others based on our perception of their commitment. Yet, most of us don't really understand commitment fully, so we struggle in our communication and relationships. The following 10 points will help you understand commitment better so you can improve relationships and trust with those around you.

1) People tend to avoid commitment. When people make commitments they are forced to reorder their life around them. Have you ever been asked to set a date three weeks away or commit to doing something? Your response is typically to hesitate and you make the appointment tentatively, in case something more important comes along. This is a typical scenario with maintenance patients who come in every two-to-four weeks.

2) You can't have 100% commitment. In life, nothing exists without the coexistent experience of its absence. In some cases the absence is its opposite but only the absence is needed. For example, there would be no day without night or up without down, no holidays without work days. One makes the other. Each one's existence depends on the coexistence of the other. Hence, 100% commitment cannot exist. There must be the experience of non-commitment coexisting with commitment.

Have you ever had one of your best patients go to another D.C. because the other D.C. was closer to that patient's work or house? Under the right circumstances, people will make changes that best suit them so don't feel bad. On the other hand, no one is zero percent committed either. Everyone has some commitment. So focus on what's there and eventually move them uphill, by showing them the benefits a little more commitment could yield them.

3) Focus determines actions. The more you focus on the commitment people have, the more actions will be directed there and the more positive the result. Have you ever noticed people answer "yes, but...?" They are really asserting the duality of commitment by saying "yes, no." The "but" focuses them on the part they are not 100% committed to. Ask patients if they are committed to their chiropractic care and you'll most often get "yes, but." Always relate to, express, and promote the part that is committed.

4) Commitment is in people's nature. People are naturally committed, they have numerous segments of their life and all have a degree of commitment. The cars they buy, the stores they shop at, the sports teams they watch, and the doctors they see. Remember, it is not your job to give people commitment, but to elicit it. Treat people as if they are committed to get more.

5) Commitment relates to trust. When you communicate with people, they evaluate your motives. If they trust your motives they respond with a degree of commitment. This is why we reposition the way doctors view chiropractic and how patients evaluate it in my Certainty Seminar. If you have the right positioning in chiropractic your mission and purpose is carried out with certainty because your motive is truly serving. The results are remarkable because the patient senses the right motive, trusts in you, and commitment compliance increases.

6) Commitment must have common ground. When two parties come together for resolution of problems, they must find common ground or a common interest. If you and your patient have better health as common ground then both will have greater commitment.

7) Commitment increases decision making and problem solving. Patients need to know the "why" and "how" behind your chiropractic care to solve common problems and make decisions regarding care like money or time. If they understand the principles of chiropractic and how they apply to overall wellness, it becomes more valuable to them for overall health. Their commitment to follow your recommendations of how to correct their subluxations and maintain their spine becomes inherent.

8) Commitment strengthens communication. The success of any relationship is dependent on its quality of communication. Communication is not just talking and exchanging information. It is a deeper exchange of experiences that brings understanding between two people. Successful relationships are built in trust and faith. When you trust someone you are more committed to that person. The paradox is the more commitment you have the more trust develops, and the relationship gets better. If you trust God you are committed to knowing more about God and doing God's principles. The more committed you become the more trust develops. It's the same with doctor/patient relationships.

9) A "we" attitude promotes commitment. Do your patients rely on you to fix them or is it a joint effort between you and them? Do your employees work for your alone or for the organization with a common ground of purpose and mission? The doctor/patient relationship is a team just like your practice. Always use we when referring to correcting patients' problems. By enforcing and promoting a "we" concept, you will enhance commitment to the common cause.

10) Acknowledge people's commitment. Let your patients know they are doing the right thing. Focus on their commitment -- not the lack of it. If they are making all of the appointments, acknowledge it, to enhance their commitment. The Good Book says to lift people up so to increase commitment to a common cause, acknowledge your wife, kids, staff and patients.

By practicing these points, you will not only see greater commitment in those around you, you'll see it in yourself.