Dualism: Committed vs Involved
“The difference between committed and involved is like Ham and Eggs. The chicken is involved, the pig is committed.”
- Martina Navratilova
We often encounter situations where we can be committed or involved. While these terms may seem similar at first glance, a subtle yet significant difference between them can greatly impact our overall success. Let's delve into the differences between commitment and involvement to understand better how they can change the course of your career and your life.
Professional Commitment VS Involvement
When I was coaching, I was committed to the entire program. I would train my athletes better than anyone in the world. I stayed on top of the changing landscape of what was being done in order to stay on top.
I was committed to my portion of the athlete's preparation and voluntarily sat in on position and staff meetings to hear the coaches' terminology and watch them talk about what the athlete would be required to do to accomplish these plans. I would then add specific movements to my program to ensure the athletes were prepared for what they were asked to do.
I would also go into the training room and speak to the trainers and doctors about the condition of injured athletes and how I could adapt my training to minimize the likelihood that a single injury would not become a string of injuries because I was not making necessary changes.
I would also go to the position coaches and coordinators and ask for their analysis of each of their players, what they were lacking, and what concerns the coach had in developing each individual in our organization. I was not making players satisfied with MY workout, but to be prepared to perform the needed movements and responsibilities of what the coach would ask them to do.
To continue closing this circle, I would speak to the individual athlete about what I could do to help him be better prepared for what he would be asked to do. I would listen more than I talked. I wanted the athletes to feel invincible when they walked onto the field at the end of the spring or summer training sessions.
Next, I would close the circle of commitment by sharing my newfound information with my staff so they could see the same picture I was seeing. We would then discuss ensuring all the information could be assimilated into the program.
Finally, I would be on the field watching every aspect of the practice to watch the athletes perform the movements and responsibilities that they had been instructed to do. I would watch every game and take notes about things I saw that we could improve. I would watch the athletes in meetings and see how each would learn so that I could make sure I was teaching the athletes in a way that they would best use the information I was sharing with them. Some were verbal learners, and others were visual learners. Some needed to be pushed; others would pull away if I pushed them too hard.
I was committed. There was no opportunity, clock, or door I would not knock on or kick down to accomplish my goal of putting the best-trained and most resilient team of athletes on the field for each practice and every game they played.
I was committed and ensured the people who worked with me were just as committed as I was.
On the other hand, some people were just involved in the organization. They would come to work every day, stay as long as I did, and do their best at what they were responsible for. They were totally involved.
And that’s where they stopped. Trainers wouldn’t come to me to see what we planned on doing in our next workout. Coaches would not come down to watch their athlete’s train. I would see them walking to the cafeteria during a break in their schedule. I would ask them about their athlete, but they would never ask me about their athlete.
Commitment is about considering every aspect of your profession or job as you strive to make the best product possible. It involves staying true to your high standards and following through on your commitments, even when times get tough. In contrast, involvement is more about being present at the moment and contributing your efforts without necessarily considering the other factors that go into the final product.
Personal Commitment VS Involvement
In relationships, for example, being committed means being loyal, trustworthy, and supportive of your partner through thick and thin. It means putting their needs before your own and working together towards a common goal. On the other hand, being involved in a relationship may mean enjoying each other's company without necessarily planning for the future or making long-term commitments.
One changes the arc of a relationship by how committed they are to it. If you value the other person enough to make them part of your life, then you need to be more than just involved in their life. It’s as simple as taking an interest in their hobbies and their work. All they want is for you to support them in pursuing their passion.
Ultimately, commitment and involvement have their place in our lives—they complement each other and help us navigate various challenges with grace and resilience. Understanding the key differences between these two concepts, we can better align our actions with our values and goals to create meaningful connections and achieve lasting success.
Ham and Eggs
When you are faced with a decision to be committed or involved in something important to you – remember that commitment requires sacrifice but leads to fulfillment, while involvement offers participation without long-term obligations. Choose wisely based on what truly matters to you in the grand scheme of things – for it is through our choices that we define who we are becoming daily.
It’s up to you to decide if you are involved like the chicken or committed like the pig in ham and eggs. How far you want to take your professional and personal goals will help you decide on your investment commitment level.
Have an amazing day.
