Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely Why is it so difficult to carry out commitments?, the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone is being able to keep their commitment, Keeping that commitment is difficult because essentially we are fighting against human nature which loves freedom and instant gratification. Commitment is not just an initial promise, but a decision that must be made repeatedly, even when our feelings are not supportive.
Here are some reasons why keeping commitments feels so challenging:
1. Conflict Between Desires and Responsibilities
We often get caught in an internal struggle between what we want to do right now (urges/impulses) and what we have promised for the future.
Example: Committing to a diet is easy when full, but becomes very difficult when seeing pizza in front of you while hungry.
2. Opportunity Cost
Saying "Yes" to one commitment means saying "No" to thousands of other possibilities. Human psychology tends to experience Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). We often feel afraid that by committing, we are missing out on opportunities that might be "better" elsewhere.
3. Fading Initial Motivation
Commitments usually start with a surge of emotion or motivation (like the honeymoon phase in a relationship or New Year's enthusiasm for exercise). However, emotions are fluctuating.
Reality: When that sense of excitement is gone, all that remains is discipline. This is where many people give up because they expect "good feelings" to carry them forever.
4. Energy and Time Investment
Commitments require maintenance. Like plants, if not watered with consistent effort, communication, or hard work, commitments will wither. Many people underestimate how exhausting it is to be consistent in the long run.
5. Fear of Vulnerability
Committing to something—especially to other people—means giving them the power to disappoint or hurt us. Sometimes, we struggle to commit not because we are unable, but because we are afraid of failing or being seen as weak.
The bottom line: Commitment is difficult because it demands that we grow beyond our comfort zones for something greater.
Dissecting a commitment strategy is like building a bridge: you need a strong foundation so it doesn’t collapse when storms hit. Commitments based solely on "intentions" usually fall apart within weeks.
Here are strategic steps to build and maintain commitments systematically:
1. Find an Unshakable "Why"
A commitment without a strong reason is a burden. If your reason is only "following the trend" or "because you should," you will give up when tired.
Ask yourself: "What is the biggest loss if I quit?"
Principle: If your reason doesn’t make you feel slightly emotional or challenged, it’s likely not a strong enough Why.
2. Use the "Atomic Habits" Rule (Start Small)
Many people fail to commit because they set huge targets right away. The best strategy is to break down the commitment into extremely small actions that make failure impossible.
Strategy: Don’t commit to "exercising 1 hour every day." Commit to "putting on running shoes every 5 PM."
Logic: The biggest barrier is getting started. Once you’ve begun, you’ll usually keep going.
3. Build a System, Not Just Desire
Don’t rely on willpower—because willpower is like a phone battery that runs out. Create an environment that supports your commitment.
Design Your Environment: If you want to commit to saving money, set up an automatic transfer system. If you want to commit to focused work, move your phone to another room.
Remove Barriers: Identify what usually causes you to fail, then block access to those distractions before they arise.
4. The "Non-Negotiables" Principle (Non-Bargainable Items)
Set strict ground rules. Commitments become difficult because we often give ourselves "discounts" ("Just this once, it’s okay...").
Strategy: Establish 1-2 rules that cannot be broken under any circumstances (except medical emergencies). For example: "No matter what happens, I will not check emails before 9 AM."
5. Evaluate and Forgive (Self-Compassion)
Commitment does not mean you have to be 100% perfect. Many people stop entirely just because they failed for one day.
Rule: "Never Miss Twice": If you fail to keep your commitment today, make sure you get back on track tomorrow. Missing once is an accident; missing twice is the start of a new bad habit.
Here is the example of the Strategic Table: Desire vs. System
Aspect Desire Only (Weak) VS Using a System (Strong)
Focus End result (want to be thin/want to succeed) VS Daily process (eat vegetables/write 100 words)
Reliance Motivation, Mood Schedule & Routine
Response to Failure Feel guilty & stop VS Evaluate causes & keep going
Practical step: Try choosing one specific thing you want to make your commitment right now,
Hopefully this article can give you an insight how to improve your life career, thank you