We are most committed to a course of action when we have some “skin in the game.” We get into the game in a number of ways. One is by investing time and money.

Public announcements of our goals and intentions are another significant way of cementing commitment. It is hard for us to walk away from a plan once we have told others.

I can vouch for this personally. The night before my wedding, I could not sleep a wink. I was wondering whether I was even capable of seeing glaring evidence of folly while the ball was rolling so vigorously toward our wedding day. As guests made travel plans, the word spread more broadly, and gifts began to arrive, the snowball took control. Even as my thirtieth anniversary approaches, I remember vividly that lesson about the power our prior decisions, public statements, and invested time and money have over our thoughts and options. 

This power can be used to garner great organizational commitment. As people devote energy to a goal, make decisions that support that goal, and announce their commitment, they gradually become more and more committed. If we backtrack, we risk seeming unreliable and inconsistent. Worse, we start feeling confused and stupid. Our pride is at stake. We are wired to rationalize our previous decisions. We are masters of painting glorious pictures of the benefits of our choices. And we are incredibly quick to throw more time and money at our goals.

When the direction is good, this power is fabulous, motivating, energizing. With less than optimal decisions, this power helps us make the best of things, which is often the best course.

But when the direction is bad, this power can be over-whelming. It can take tremendous strength to recognize, not admit, just recognize that we have made a bad decision. It can take even more strength to admit it. And even the strongest cower at the prospect of telling others “I was wrong, that was not a good decision. We must abandon this market, product, project, house, marriage, …, and go in a new direction.” But every business and every human makes mistakes. Many are bad. We have to learn to recognize, admit, and reverse those hurting our lives and businesses. What decisions have you made that are better reversed now than later?