Facing the Hard Truth: Interested or Committed?

Are you interested or are you committed?

It’s a question that cuts straight to the core of your aspirations and goals.  In life, we often find ourselves claiming to want certain things – success, a fulfilling career, or a healthy lifestyle. But when it comes down to it, our actions may not align with what we claim to desire.

We find ourselves stuck, making little progress toward our goals and wondering why we’re not achieving the success we so desperately want.

The hard truth is: We’re often more interested than committed. We may be interested in the idea of success, but we’re not truly committed to doing the work required to achieve those goals. We make excuses, procrastinate, or simply give up when faced with challenges. And in doing so, we only have ourselves to blame.

But why does this happen? Why do we struggle to bridge the gap between interest and commitment?

One reason is fear. The fear of failure or the fear of stepping out of our comfort zones can hold us back from fully committing to our goals. We may be afraid of putting in the effort, only to fall short of our expectations. But as the saying goes, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Without commitment, you can never truly know what you’re capable of achieving.

Another reason is a lack of clarity. We may have a vague idea of what we want, but we haven’t taken the time to define our goals and create a clear roadmap toward them. Without a clear vision, it’s easy to get distracted or lose motivation along the way. Commitment requires setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that keep us focused and accountable.

Lastly, we often underestimate the effort and dedication required to achieve our goals. We see successful individuals and assume that their journey was easy or that they possess some innate talent. But the reality is that success comes from hard work, perseverance, and consistency. It’s not always glamorous or exciting, but it’s necessary for progress. We need to be willing to put in the time and effort, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient.

So, how can we shift from being merely interested to truly committed?

1. You must be honest with yourself. You need to acknowledge your lack of commitment and take responsibility for your actions. This level of self-awareness is crucial for making a change.

2. Identify your core values and align them with your goals. When your actions are in line with your values, you will feel a deeper sense of purpose and motivation. This alignment will fuel your commitment and drive you to take consistent action. (My favorite way to check on personal values is to think about what you spend your time, money, and energy on. Do these things align with the person you aspire to be?)

3. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Set clear goals. Define your objectives with specificity. Vague interests are less likely to translate into commitment. By taking small steps toward your goals every day, you build momentum and create a habit of commitment. Celebrating these small victories along the way keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward. 

4. Surround ourselves with a supportive network. Finding like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations can provide accountability, encouragement, and inspiration. Together, you can support each other on the journey towards commitment.

5. Embrace challenges in your life. Commitment isn’t without some obstacles and setbacks. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and strengthen your resolve. Remember, you often learn the most about yourself and what you’re capable of when faced with situations that don’t go as planned. If it was easy, everyone would do it! 

The journey from interest to commitment is a personal one. It requires introspection, honesty, and a willingness to push past your comfort zone. As you reflect on your own goals, remember that while interest might be the starting point, commitment is the vehicle that propels you forward. Embrace the hard truth, make a conscious choice, and let your actions demonstrate your commitment to the life you truly desire.

Are you interested or are you committed? The choice is yours.