"The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed." ~ Martina Navratilova
Starting is exciting. In the beginning, the mission is possible, the schedule is achievable, the team is excited to find customers, and budgets are sufficient; the possibilities are endless.
Yeah, it does not always stay like this.
Shortly after reality hits with long days, sleepless nights, slipping schedules, tough customers, and evaporating budgets, it is hard to maintain enthusiasm. The bottle feedings and poopy diapers at 2:37 in the morning are hard to embrace.
How would your biographer characterize your history of commitment? Rock-solid integrity with no errors, hit and miss, or doesn't know the meaning of commitment?
I serve alongside an exceptionally dedicated team of volunteers at my local church. We would neglect those that walk through the door and leave much undone if many hands were not at work. It would be difficult to manage the group without their loyalty to the mission.
We pledge our resources to causes, organizations, and people that are anticipating our promise to be fulfilled. Better to turn down the opportunity than to commit and renege. A best practice is to under promise and over deliver.
Does the inquiry remind you of any particular commitments that are left unfulfilled? Consider conducting a sober assessment of your ability to satisfy your obligations. Don't bother waiting for the new month or new year, now is a good time.
The initial quote provides a memorable example of the difference between involvement and commitment.
Following the assessment, is a chance to engage those where actions have fallen short. Providing a notification that you are shifting from committed to involved sets proper expectations and strengthens your integrity. We can take away the lesson, but I will leave it up to you if you want to be a chicken or a pig.
Going Futher: Who can you reach out to for feedback to ensure expectations are met? Why are you unable to fulfill the commitment? Is this a trend? Are you going to change your status from committed to involved? What impact on your wellbeing, would you expect, if you met your commitments?