Summary

The website content discusses the concept of passion, differentiating between mere interest and deep commitment, using Diana Nyad's historic swim as a prime example of the latter.

Abstract

The article "The Pursuit of Passion" delves into the nuanced difference between being interested in something and being committed to it. It illustrates this distinction with an anecdote comparing a chicken's and a pig's involvement in breakfast, where the chicken is interested, but the pig is committed. The author emphasizes that while interest may wane when faced with challenges, commitment is characterized by unwavering dedication and sacrifice, as seen in personal experiences and the story of Diana Nyad. Nyad's successful 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida in her sixties, after multiple failures, epitomizes the power of commitment over simple interest. The article further outlines the differences between interest and commitment, noting that interest is often casual and fleeting, whereas commitment is a profound dedication reflected in consistent actions and resilience in the face of adversity. To transition from interest to commitment, the author suggests setting clear goals, educating oneself, creating a plan, establishing routines, and investing resources. The article concludes with a motivational quote on commitment by Jim Rohn, reinforcing the idea that true commitment means pursuing a goal regardless of obstacles.

Opinions

The author believes that commitment requires a level of dedication and sacrifice that interest does not, and that this is what leads to the achievement of significant goals.
Diana Nyad's story is presented as an inspiring example of commitment, showing that determination and strategic planning can overcome age and past failures.
The author distinguishes interest as a starting point that might spark motivation, but commitment is seen as the sustaining force that maintains progress over time.
The transition from interest to commitment is described as a transformative process involving goal setting, self-education, planning, habit formation, and investment of resources.
The author shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the difference between interest and commitment in their own life, such as casually learning a foreign language versus consistently writing as a full-time profession.

The Pursuit of Passion

Distinguishing Between Commitment and Simple Interest

In a breakfast of bacon and eggs, the chicken is interested, but the pig is committed.

The idea behind this oft-told story is that the chicken, which lays the eggs, is involved in the breakfast. It has a stake in it, but it continues on with its life. The pig, however, has given everything in the form of bacon — it’s a total commitment that requires the ultimate sacrifice.

I’ve found that when I’m merely interested in something, I might participate only when circumstances are favorable or when it’s convenient. And, if it becomes too difficult, I just might quit.

When I’m committed, on the other hand, it means I’m all in, regardless of the challenges, and I’m willing to make sacrifices to achieve the end goal. And no matter how difficult it becomes, I WILL NOT QUIT.

An Amazing Example of Commitment: Diana Nyad

My wife and I recently came upon a movie on Netflix called “Nyad.” Not exactly a catchy title, but the movie is incredible. It stars Annette Bening and Jodi Foster and was released in 2023.

The movie is centered around the true story of Diana Nyad, the first person ever to complete the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida. It took her an astounding 53 hours to make the trip.

Nyad first attempted to swim the treacherous waters from Cuba to Florida in her late twenties, a feat that was not only physically demanding but also fraught with dangers such as unpredictable seas and the threat of stingrays and sharks. Despite her intense training and passion, her initial attempts were met with failure.

Each failure, however, served to sharpen her resolve rather than diminish her commitment to conquering this challenge.

After her fourth failed attempt, Nyad stepped away from the dream for several years, but the pull of the quest never left her.

In her sixties, an age when most would consider such a physical undertaking beyond reach, she decided to give it one last shot. This time, she approached the swim with a new level of strategic planning, including a support team equipped with technology to protect her from sharks and a carefully crafted nutrition and hydration regimen.

She trained with a focus on endurance, both mental and physical, preparing herself to face the exhaustion and hallucinations that had plagued her in past attempts.

In 2013, at the age of 64, Diana Nyad finally realized her long-held dream, successfully completing the swim from Cuba to Florida on her fifth attempt.

Her success became a symbol of commitment and perseverance, proving that age and past failures do not define a person’s capabilities.

Nyad wasn’t simply interested, she was committed.

What’s The Difference Between Interest and Commitment?

I believe the difference between interest and commitment lies in the level of dedication you bring to something. I see these differences between the two:

Interest:

Interest is more about curiosity and a desire to learn more or engage in something when it’s convenient.
It’s a preference or a liking for something, without a significant investment of time, resources, or energy.
When you’re interested in something, you may do it casually or in your spare time and not go out of your way to pursue it if obstacles arise.
Interest can be fleeting or change based on circumstances.

Commitment:

Commitment is a deep dedication to a cause, activity, or goal. It’s a promise to yourself and/or others that you’ll stick with something regardless of the challenges.
When you’re committed, you prioritize the activity or goal over other interests, sometimes making sacrifices to make sure it’s achieved.
Commitment involves persistence, sometimes in the face of adversity, and doesn’t waver when things get tough.
It’s often long-term and is reflected in consistent actions over time, showing a clear intention to keep to a particular path.

Boiling it down, interest can be seen as the spark that might ignite motivation, while commitment is the fuel that keeps the fire burning over the long haul.

I’ve been interested in learning a foreign language for many years and have dabbled in it several times over the years before I quit.

I’ve been committed to writing since I began doing it full-time in 2019. I do it day in and day out, as I am right now on a beautiful Texas Saturday morning when I’d rather be out walking with my wife in the sunshine along The Trinity River.

That will be my reward AFTER I’m finished with this piece.

How to Go From Being Interested to Committed

Going from interest to commitment requires a shift in your mindset and the adoption of deliberate strategies.

Whether it’s a new hobby, a business endeavor, or personal development, moving from a casual interest to a steadfast commitment is about channeling your initial curiosity into a structured plan and consistent action.

Here’s a guide to transforming fleeting interests into lasting commitments:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your interest. Specific goals give you a target to aim for and a way to measure your progress.
Educate Yourself: Learn everything you can about your budding passion. Knowledge fuels interest and turns it into something more substantial.
Create a Plan: Break down your goals into actionable steps. A solid plan provides a roadmap to follow and helps you maintain focus.
Establish Routines: Build habits that encourage regular engagement with your interest. Consistency is key in developing commitment.
Invest Resources: Put your time, and possibly money, into your interest. Investment increases the value you place on your goals and cements your commitment.

Following these five steps won’t only change an interest into a commitment, it can change your life. Consider what your life will look like in just one year if you fully commit 100% to whatever it is you’ve set your sights on.

Finally, I love this example of commitment written by Jim Rohn:

Resolve says, “I will.” The man says, “I will climb this mountain. They told me it is too high, too far, too steep, too rocky, and too difficult. But it’s my mountain. I will climb it. You will soon see me waving from the top or dead on the side from trying.”