Commit to Win

1. Commitment is a complex process, not an all-or-nothing state

Commitment isn't the same thing as a promise, for example.

Commitment is multifaceted. It involves psychological attachment and intention to stay with something, whether a job, relationship, or personal goal. Unlike a simple promise or motivation, commitment is a dynamic process that can vary over time and is influenced by various factors.

Commitment myths debunked:

• It's not something you either have or don't
• It doesn't occur at a single moment
• It's not a one-time decision
• More commitment isn't always better
• There isn't just one thing that creates it

Understanding commitment as a process allows for a more nuanced approach to building and maintaining it in various aspects of life.

2. The Commitment Equation: (Treasures - Troubles) + Contributions - Choices

Commitment is the foundation of all great accomplishments.

Four key elements predict commitment levels. The Commitment Equation, developed from decades of social science research, provides a framework for understanding and influencing commitment:

1. Treasures: What you value about the activity or relationship
2. Troubles: The downsides or costs you incur
3. Contributions: Resources you've already invested
4. Choices: Other options you perceive as available

This equation helps explain why people stay committed to certain things and not others, and provides a tool for consciously adjusting commitment levels in various areas of life.

3. Treasures: Intrinsic rewards are more powerful than extrinsic ones

We treasure both expected and unexpected rewards, but the unexpected, random rewards have a greater impact on commitment.

Internal motivation matters most. While external rewards like money or recognition can be important, intrinsic rewards – those that are inherently satisfying – have a stronger effect on long-term commitment.

Key aspects of treasures:

• Intrinsic vs. extrinsic rewards
• Fairness and equity
• Unexpected and random rewards
• Uniqueness of the reward

To increase commitment, focus on cultivating and highlighting intrinsic rewards, ensuring fairness, occasionally providing unexpected positive experiences, and emphasizing unique aspects of the commitment.

4. Troubles: Negative experiences impact us more than positive ones

Troubles affect us more deeply than treasures do.

The power of negativity. Due to our psychological makeup, negative experiences have a more pronounced and durable effect than equivalent positive ones. This "negativity bias" means that troubles in a commitment can outweigh treasures if not properly managed.

Dealing with troubles:

• Aim for a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative experiences
• Reframe negative experiences when possible
• Accept that some troubles are inevitable
• Develop "grit" to persevere through challenges

Understanding and actively managing troubles is crucial for maintaining commitment, especially during difficult times.

5. Contributions: Where resources go, commitment will grow

Commitment isn't what we start with; it's the result when critical factors line up.

Investments increase attachment. The more we contribute to something – whether time, talent, tenderness, or tangibles – the more committed we tend to become. This can work both for and against us, depending on whether the commitment is beneficial or detrimental.

Three mechanisms of contributions:

1. Accumulation Effect: Small contributions add up over time
2. Value Effect: We value things more when we've contributed to them
3. Entrapment Effect: Past investments can keep us in undesirable situations

Being aware of how contributions affect commitment allows for more conscious decision-making about where to invest resources.

6. Choices: Perceived alternatives affect commitment levels

Our imagination about choices negatively impacts commitment as much as (or more than) concrete choices do.

Options influence dedication. The perception of having good alternatives can decrease commitment to a current situation, even if those alternatives are only imaginary. Conversely, believing there are no better options tends to increase commitment.

Key aspects of choices:

• Concrete vs. imaginary alternatives
• Ignoring or devaluing other options
• The impact of media on perceived choices
• Maximizing vs. satisficing decision-making styles

Managing perceptions of choices is crucial for maintaining desired commitments and letting go of undesirable ones.

7. Strategies for increasing commitment: Focus on treasures and contributions

If you want to be highly committed, there is wisdom in not having a Plan B.

Strengthen positive elements. To increase commitment, concentrate on enhancing treasures and contributions while minimizing focus on troubles and choices.

Steps to increase commitment:

1. Identify and emphasize current treasures
2. Create new sources of intrinsic reward
3. Increase contributions through time, talent, tenderness, or tangibles
4. Create "side bets" that encourage follow-through
5. Consciously ignore or devalue alternative options

By actively engaging with the positive aspects of a commitment and investing more resources, attachment and dedication naturally grow stronger.

8. Strategies for decreasing commitment: Emphasize troubles and choices

Sometimes the best thing you can do is let go of a commitment and be open to something new.

Reduce attachment consciously. When it's time to move on from a commitment that no longer serves you, focus on troubles and choices while decreasing emphasis on treasures and contributions.

Steps to decrease commitment:

1. Clearly identify and articulate troubles
2. Reframe treasures as obtainable elsewhere
3. Gradually decrease contributions
4. Actively explore and consider alternative options
5. Seek support from others during the transition

Recognizing when to let go of a commitment is as important as knowing how to build one. This process allows for personal growth and the pursuit of more meaningful goals.

9. Assisting others in commitment requires understanding their perspective

To understand what others treasure we must see from their perspective.

Empathy is key. When trying to increase others' commitment, whether in a personal relationship or professional setting, it's crucial to understand what they value and find troubling from their point of view.

Strategies for assisting others:

• Identify what they treasure about the commitment
• Address troubles from their perspective
• Invite and value their contributions
• Help them see how your option stands out among alternatives

By focusing on the other person's experience and needs, you can create an environment that naturally fosters higher levels of commitment.

Last updated: August 18, 2024