What is it to be committed to your...

When someone talks about being committed what does that really mean? Well my question is what does it look like? And do you really think it looks the same for everyone? Growing up I played basketball along with many other sports, but basketball was a sport that I loved. On the other hand, I also loved how creative I was, and I wanted to nurture those feelings as well.

I’m pretty sure that this has happened to some other people but if you are messing up or lacking in a certain area you will get scolded. The scolding isn’t much of the problem for me; my problem is that most of the time when this happens a tool that they use for scolding is hanging over your head the other interest you have. Why is it so bad that we want to multi-task, why do we only have to be committed to one area of life.

So, my question to all of you is what does it mean to be committed? Well if we want to get technical all of a sudden then we can say that the Merriam-Webster dictionary states that being committed is having made a pledge or commitment to someone (such as a romantic partner) or something (such as a cause). So, let’s not get lost in translation here guys, we are not talking about love. That’s a topic for another day, I am just trying to figure out what it is to be committed. Also, why when it comes to a craft or a sport if it’s all or nothing then you are not committed.

Being committed comes in all different shapes and forms if you ask me. Just like how there are no 2 human beings exactly alike or not two shapes exactly alike. It doesn’t matter if they are identical twins or have been with each other all their lives. The way I do things will be completely different from the way that someone else does. So why does our commitment have to look the same? Just because I am not getting stuff done as quickly as you don’t mean that I am any less committed to my goals and dreams. What others must realize is that even though your steps may be small it is still a step in the right direction.

This is an argument that I feel as though isn’t talked about enough in my opinion, and I think that it’s time that we did. Why discredit someone for the hard work, and the commitment they have to their craft because it’s not being done the way you want it to be done. Like I stated before being committed can come in many different forms, and we must not discredit them, because once we do it says that being unique to yourself isn’t good. In my opinion I feel as though this is a really big problem when it comes to teaching young children as well as coaching a sports team.

As educators, coaches, parents, and everyone in between we must realize that the way everyone does things is different so we cannot fault one for commitment when in their eyes they are doing everything in their power. By continuously criticizing and nit-picking you will end up breaking that person if their confidence isn’t strong. Children growing up aren’t always confident either so by doing this you are making a child feel like giving up on their dream. That is something that no one should be forced to do, your dreams are yours alone. You should not let anyone make you or your dreams feel less than because they don’t understand who you are.

Sometimes your pace doesn’t move as fast as others and that okay it doesn’t mean that you aren’t moving. It doesn’t make what you are doing worthless and less than what the others are doing. Being able to wake up in the morning and just think about your craft/ or what you love is a step in the right direction. You can lay in bed all day and still be able to accomplish your goals. Getting out of bed doesn’t make you more committed than the next person. You are able to work on a craft no matter the locations whether its brain storming or physically doing the work. Each and every step is important to the process to become the best at what you do.

In the end you should never let anyone make you feel less than what you truly are. You shouldn’t value others opinion before your because it’s your dream and it’s your vision no one can tell you something that’s on your brain. (Unless we know someone who can read minds) Don’t even let your mind tell you that you are not enough ! That is a major issue in this generation. The internet is a great invention that has helped bring the world closer together, but it also is what helps tear us apart. You may see people online or on a social media site and start to wonder when it is going to be my turn. You can’t do that; you are only seeing the celebration you didn’t see the struggle and the hard work that went into where they are now. The same people you are trying to be like most likely went through the same things you are or even worse.

Don’t let it discourage you because you are starting to feel like you aren’t doing enough. Little do you know you are doing way more than enough and there is no need to push yourself to try to do more. Being able to focus on different task and multi-task is amazing but so is taking your time and putting your all into your craft. Even if it’s only you giving up 3 hours out of your day to just dedicate that time to working on your craft then that is a step. Even if you don’t do this every day it’s okay. It is alright to need a break and step back from it all. That’s what it means to want to take care of yourself and your wellbeing. Self-care is another way of staying committed to your craft because if your body is not being cared for then how are you going to be able to care for your craft.

So, in the end there is no one way to determine that someone is being committed because it comes in so many different forms. As you stay committed to your goals, desires, dreams, and wants throughout life you may have some days where you just don’t feel like moving out of bed. Just don’t forget that it’s alright to want to be selfish sometimes and take care of you, because if you don’t then who will. Don’t let other people’s success make your success in your life feel less than or not as worthy as theirs. The steps you take in your life are just as important as you think theirs are. You are more than what is on the surface. So, what does it mean to be committed…well that’s up for you to decide.