You will hear people talk about their dreams, what they want to achieve, their aspirations, etc. Of course, everyone has the kind of life that they want to live and what they want to become. But the question is; are they willing to give it what it takes to make their dreams to become a reality? This is where the difference between just having Interest, and showing commitment becomes clear. You may want to get something done, but the "how to" will determine if you will get it done. You do not achieve success by wishing for it, but by working towards it.
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One of my friends wanted to learn graphic designing. He was so excited about it, and it piqued his interest. He would watch videos occasionally about it, and then feel good. He would practise when he feels like, but when he is tired, he would leave it. After almost 6 months, he looked back and realised that he has not learnt any significant thing in graphics designing. This was when he woke up and decided to make a better move towards it. He set a daily practice timetable and followed it. He then completed some practical courses on designing, and kept to the routine even when he didn't feel motivated. After about 4 months of showing commitment, he got good to the point that he started getting paid for his designs. If he had not shown commitment, his interest would not have delivered.
Interest simply talks about wanting something. It is the excitement that comes inside you when an idea, a thought, or a discovery strikes your heart. When you are interested in something, you may just show up for it when it is convenient. You will only put in efforts towards it when you feel motivated. But if things become tough, you may see yourself drawing back. Interest are usually fuelled by emotions, but you will agree with me that emotions are not always stable and sustainable. What happens when you do not feel like taking steps towards what you are interested in?
This is where commitment comes into play. Commitment is deeper, and places more responsibilities on you. That is; it is deciding that you will pursue after something without recourse to how difficult it may become on the way. It is showing up and keep going even when you do not feel like it. That is, putting in constant and consistent step towards what you want to achieve irrespective of your mood, circumstances, and or challenges on the way. Commitment is not based on emotions nor on feelings, rather it is based on determination and discipline.
The difference between interest and commitment shows when challenges arise. If you only have interest, challenges will be seen as obstacles. But when you are committed, they will become stepping-stone. If someone tries something at they fail at it, the one with just interest will simply give the excuse that it is too hard, or they may say they will try again some other time. But the one with commitment will adjust their strategy and try again. They will keep trying until they get it done. They may change strategies or methods, but the goal remains the same.
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Commitment will require you to make sacrifices at some points. In fact, you may even give up on comfort, entertainment, and you may also sacrifice some pleasures, and at some points, friends may leave you. At this point, some people may feel the urge to fall back. Especially those who only like the idea of success but are not willing to give it all it takes. Just to let you know, interest may just enjoy the idea, but it is commitment that will endure the process. The road may not be enjoyable, and may not be smooth, but it is required if you must arrive at the destination.
Commitment also requires consistency. You do not do something just once and back off, and then be expecting to achieve the result. It is not what you do just once in a while that makes you who you are, but it is what you do consistently. That is, what you do once and again. Commitment creates routines, follows it, and then achieves the goal. It is worthy to note that success is not going to be gifted to you, rather you have to work for it and earn it. When putting in work and actions towards your idea or your goal, you do not rely on how you feel or on your emotions, but you have your whole attention focused on the target you want to hit.
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