WoW 153: On commitment [Words of Wisdom]

WoW 153: On commitment

Words of Wisdom

Idea

Commitment is in short supply. It’s one of the most valuable characteristics of an individual, a couple, a company, or an institution.

At the time of making a commitment there is always uncertainty. There are never known outcomes. You don’t commit to something because you know how things will turn out. You commit because you love, value, and believe.

But commitment to what? How do you commit well?

Castles, world class fitness, a free republic, sexism, marriage, and human trafficking all last through sheer commitment.

The best commitments are determined through deep reflection and applying your love and the entire strength of your will. Small commitments lead to small living. Selfishness leads to destruction. Apathy leads to injustice and needless suffering.

The biggest and best commitments thrive with specific practices in the deepest presence of the moment.

Commitment isn’t just about grinding and working hard, regardless of the difficulties. Wise commitment asks how can I do the thing that has the most leverage in this moment?

Be very careful what you commit to. Whatever you say yes to will cost you a thousand nos. A big yes means excluding all else. By definition then, you want to say no to many other good options in order to focus on the single greatest priority.

Ruthlessly focused commitment is the only way to achieve mastery. Deep and stubborn commitment can yield exponential results.

Once you have committed, measure in years, in decades, in generations.

Quote

“Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

​Winston Churchill​ in a speech given on October 29, 1941, Harrow School

Resource

​Commitment​ is exemplified in this free, nearly 2 hour, documentary of an athlete who became the fittest on earth. Watch this and reflect on the intensity of your own commitments.

Questions

What is your most cherished commitment?

How can you express your commitment in the present moment?

What can you say no to today that will strengthen your commitment tomorrow?

How can you do the thing that has the most leverage in this moment?

Prayer

Lord, grant me the strength for a long obedience in the same direction. Help me embrace the journey of faith with patience. Give me the grit to persevere. Help me to commit to follow You daily, not seeking shortcuts but trusting in Your timing and ways.

Guide me to resist the temptations of instant gratification and instead focus on cultivating a life of deep commitment to what matters most. Grant me the discipline to continue forward, in the face of the obstacles and difficulties I can see and in spite of the difficulties I cannot see. Let me see the challenges I face as opportunities for growth, knowing that through them, I can draw closer to You and can become more like You.

Surround me with a community of believers who will encourage and support me on this path. Help me to be faithful in the smallest of ways, trusting that You are working in my life even when I can't see immediate results.

Lord, I place my hope in You, give me the faith to carry on. May my life be a prayer, as I wait and watch for Your guidance each day.

Amen.

Live wisely,

Josh