“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.” – Ayn Rand
Commitment Vs. Intention
-CrossFit LA
How solid are your commitments? Do you keep them no matter what? And what if you miss a commitment… was it really a commitment to begin with, or just an intention? Have you thought about the difference?
Intention – to have in mind as something to be done or brought about.
Commitment – an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one’s freedom of action; a pledge or promise; obligation.
Do you see what’s missing from intention that makes it different from a commitment? As long as it’s still in your mind, as with intention, there’s no skin in the game; still a chance to change course, alter plans, not show up, change your mind. A commitment? Check the definition – it necessarily contains a restriction in one’s freedom of action – when you’re committed to something it means something else can NOT happen. Period. End of story.
Think about things coming up in your schedule this week – are you committed? Meetings, phone calls, your workout, a flight across country, foods in your diet. Which ones are actually commitments and which are merely intentions? It will be easy to tell at week’s end… the commitments actually happened… the intentions might have, but then again, might not. Think about this and it’s impact – which events do others in your life think are your commitments when you know they are just intentions? Share in comments.
When I hear the word “commitment” I get nervous- that means I have to give myself to something- 110% all the time- it’s a promise. But it shouldn’t be this scary right? people commit themselves to different things everyday- one thing (in my opinion) that is worth committing to is YOURSELF- your health, your body, your mind, your heart, and your soul! and what other way to do this then to get yourself into the gym! I don’t have commitment issues when it comes to crossfit. In order to be healthy (mentally and physically) I go to CrossFit. I know when I go there I am respected and not judged. I know Shaun and Jenna are going to push me through the WOD and encourage me along the way. I know when I am exhausted laying on the floor in a pile of sweat someone is going to walk up to me and give me a high five or tell me “great job”- why wouldn’t you want this kind of commitment!? CrossFit is very humbling and keeps me grounded- but the joy it brings me when I see everyone push themselves to accomplish success and health (at the same time) is astonishing. I believe everyone has good intentions- but when it comes to YOURSELF intentions aren’t good enough. Go on- be selfish- and commit yourself to something wonderful. Better yourself and your life! Commit to your gym. Commit to crossfit. 🙂
When I hear the word “commitment” I get nervous- that means I have to give myself to something- 110% all the time- it’s a promise. But it shouldn’t be this scary right? people commit themselves to different things everyday- one thing (in my opinion) that is worth committing to is YOURSELF- your health, your body, your mind, your heart, and your soul! and what other way to do this then to get yourself into the gym! I don’t have commitment issues when it comes to crossfit. In order to be healthy (mentally and physically) I go to CrossFit. I know when I go there I am respected and not judged. I know Shaun and Jenna are going to push me through the WOD and encourage me along the way. I know when I am exhausted laying on the floor in a pile of sweat someone is going to walk up to me and give me a high five or tell me “great job”- why wouldn’t you want this kind of commitment!? CrossFit is very humbling and keeps me grounded- but the joy it brings me when I see everyone push themselves to accomplish success and health (at the same time) is astonishing. I believe everyone has good intentions- but when it comes to YOURSELF intentions aren’t good enough. Go on- be selfish- and commit yourself to something wonderful. Better yourself and your life! Commit to your gym. Commit to crossfit. 🙂
This distinction between commitment and intention is an important one, and a bit of an eye opener for me. There are certain things that I do whether I feel like it or not– going to work everyday, for example– because (though I had’t thought about it like this before) I made a commitment to being there and doing my job, and doing it well. Regardless of whether I “want” to on any given morning when the alarm goes off. Why hasn’t it been the same with my diet? Clearly eating in a certain way (Paleo, or whatever) has only been an intention on my part… not a commitment, like getting up and going to work has. Hmm. What I “want” (in a short term way) doesn’t keep me in bed when the alarm goes off at 6:30am, so why does what I want (again, in the short term) derail my eating plan time and time again? Of course short term desires (instant gratification) vs. long term desires is a whole different conversation. 🙂 Thanks for posting this– gives me much to think about (and act on!)
This distinction between commitment and intention is an important one, and a bit of an eye opener for me. There are certain things that I do whether I feel like it or not– going to work everyday, for example– because (though I had’t thought about it like this before) I made a commitment to being there and doing my job, and doing it well. Regardless of whether I “want” to on any given morning when the alarm goes off. Why hasn’t it been the same with my diet? Clearly eating in a certain way (Paleo, or whatever) has only been an intention on my part… not a commitment, like getting up and going to work has. Hmm. What I “want” (in a short term way) doesn’t keep me in bed when the alarm goes off at 6:30am, so why does what I want (again, in the short term) derail my eating plan time and time again? Of course short term desires (instant gratification) vs. long term desires is a whole different conversation. 🙂 Thanks for posting this– gives me much to think about (and act on!)