Are You a Front-of-the-Room or a Back-of-the-Room Person?

“Commitment is the spark that turns possibility into action and dreams into reality.”

Think about the last time you walked into a meeting room or a conference. Did you choose a seat at the front, ready to face whatever comes your way, or did you settle in toward the back, preferring to observe from a safe distance? Your choice speaks volumes about how committed you are – not just to that particular meeting but to all your life decisions.

People who sit at the front are often ready to be "all in." They are willing to be vulnerable and face uncomfortable moments like being called on unexpectedly. It's not about always knowing the answer; it’s about committing fully to the experience, even the unpredictable ones.

This level of commitment is what sets people apart. When we’re only half in, when we have "one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake," we shouldn’t be surprised when we don’t get anywhere. To achieve meaningful results, we need to commit fully to whatever we’re doing, embracing both the risks and the rewards.

How do you know if you're truly committed or just dipping your toes in the water? Here are some practical ways to test your commitment:

Assess Your Actions: Are your actions aligned with what you say you want? If you’re committed to being fitter, are you showing up for your workouts, even on tough days? Your actions reveal the depth of your commitment.

Look for Discomfort: True commitment often means embracing discomfort. Do you actively lean into challenging situations or pull back when things get uncomfortable? Being "front-of-the-room" means accepting that discomfort is part of growth.

Notice Where You’re Hesitant: Are there areas where you’re hesitant or holding back? Maybe you’re not speaking up in meetings or avoiding taking on a new project because it feels risky. Recognizing hesitation is the first step to understanding what’s holding you back.

Take, for instance, an athlete training for a marathon. There’s no half-in approach to running 26.2 miles. Whether it’s raining, blazing hot, or early in the morning, they lace up their shoes and go. Their full commitment to the goal ultimately gets them to the finish line.

Similarly, think of someone in a career transition. It’s easy to stay in a comfortable job, even if it doesn’t align with your aspirations. Those who are truly committed to growth and change will take the plunge—whether it’s enrolling in new courses, reaching out to mentors, or applying for challenging roles that push them beyond their comfort zone.

Visualize the Outcome: Picture what you want to achieve and imagine the feeling of having already succeeded. This helps anchor you to your goal and makes it easier to stay committed when challenges arise.

Create Accountability: Share your commitment with others. Letting people know what you’re working toward can create external motivation and help you stay on track.

Take Small, Consistent Steps: It’s not always about grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that build momentum and lead to significant progress. Choose one small action you can take daily that moves you closer to your goal.

Sit at the Front: Literally and metaphorically. Put yourself in positions where you are seen and where you must engage. Sitting at the front means taking on responsibilities, speaking up, and being vulnerable enough to take risks.

Whether it’s in a meeting room, a project, or a personal goal – consider where you’re positioning yourself. Are you at the front, fully committed, or sitting at the back, observing from a safe distance? Total commitment doesn’t mean it’s always easy; it means showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about putting both feet on the gas and giving yourself the chance to move forward rather than staying stuck in neutral.

Where in your life can you move from the back to the front of the room? What are you ready to commit to fully? It’s time to decide, lean in, and see where your dedication takes you. I am here to cheer you on!