Break is an action verb. A decision was made to embrace a commitment and the same decision to end the commitment.
This inquiry arose out of a discussion with a family member a year ago. She had been leading a nonprofit for several years and grown the influence over her tenure. The Board of Directors brought in a new Director that wanted to go in a new direction, and she was fired.
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"Because I said I would" is a powerful statement. These few words validate our integrity.
As a youth, I ran in a 300-mile charitable relay from Prescott, Arizona to Palm Spring, California. The plan was to have 30 guys each run 10-miles over the three day period. Only a dozen runners with minimal training showed up. We began running in one-mile increments, dwindling to quarter-mile increments by the time we arrived at Palm Springs City Hall. IcyHot was our friend.
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"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.
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Well, can you name them?
Where do you choose to invest your time, money, and influence? Quick, let's look at your schedule and financial records. This is an easy litmus test to discern where your commitments reside.
Position bestows commitment. The elected official pledges to care for constituents. The Air Force General dedicates herself to the mission, and safety of personnel and equipment.
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Are you kidding me?
Of course, the schedule is crammed with sports and music lessons for my kids. Any reasonable parent would; scholarships are waiting. We sign up for all the book clubs or meet-ups we can coordinate. Weddings of college friends, birthday parties for the kindergarten, and household maintenance monopolize weekends. If in doubt, the binge watch list is awaiting our attention.
The tyranny of technology is brutal on our ability to think and recharge. The introverts solitude and the extroverts social engagements give time to tap into what we need to regain our true selves. The work, commutes, responsibilities of both kids and aging parents, and the siren call of social media tug at our attention until we are spent.
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Commitment is a word that has many running for the hills. In the age of hookups and the gig economy, the practical definition has taken on a new meaning.
The celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary is a party for two reasons; honoring the longevity of the commitment and celebrating the pending extinction of the graying unicorn. Party stores will only stock the 1, 5, and 10-year anniversary glitter. They will regulate the rest to the discount bin.
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