What is commitment and why is it important?
All of us desire to achieve more in our lives—whether it’s attaining a healthier body, owning a larger house, increasing our wealth, or gaining wisdom. The question arises: why do some individuals succeed in reaching these goals while others struggle?
To answer this question, we must ask ourselves: are we merely interested in these goals, or are we truly committed to them?
The best definition of commitment that I’ve come across is this:
Commitment means standing behind the decisions you made when you were happy, even when you don’t feel well at the moment.
In this world, every job has two sides. One side is the happy or enjoyable aspect, while the other side is the unpleasant aspect, which we often refer to as the ‘dirty’ and unpleasant side.
For actors and actresses, the attractive side is the fame and adoration, where everyone wants to take a picture with them. However, the ‘dirty’ side involves long hours of wearing makeup, enduring extreme weather conditions, and dealing with the less glamorous aspects of the industry. Similarly, having a fit and attractive body that allows you to wear any clothes you desire is appealing. Yet, the less appealing and the dirty side entails strict dietary restrictions—opting for boiled chicken and broccoli over-indulgent kebabs and desserts—and putting in hard work at the gym.
The secret to success in any endeavour is embracing both the enjoyable and less glamorous or dirty aspects of the job or situation. Life follows the same principle. Consider marriage, for example. You marry someone you love, and the enjoyable side includes coming home to a loving family, with meals ready and laughter filling the air. However, there’s also the ‘dirty’ side: days when disagreements arise, sacrifices are made for the family’s well-being, and late-night trips to the doctor with a sick child become necessary. True love for your family is demonstrated when you accept and work through the challenges of the relationship.
If you only prefer the polished aspects of a job or situation, it indicates a lack of genuine commitment to it.
Embracing both the pleasant and less glamorous sides of any endeavour is a mark of true commitment and dedication. It’s easy to be drawn to the shiny facade of success or the picturesque moments in life, but it’s our willingness to confront challenges, endure hardships, and persist through adversity that ultimately leads to fulfilment and achievement. By accepting the ‘dirty’ side of our pursuits—whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal aspirations—we not only demonstrate our genuine commitment but also pave the way for meaningful growth and success. So, let’s remember that success isn’t just about enjoying the highs; it’s about navigating through the lows with resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to our goals and values.
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -
Vince Lombardi