I started wrestling when I was in the 9th grade and as a freshman I started. I went on to start all 4 years in high school without ever really being challenged for my spot on the team.
I went on to wrestle in college, but with the same mindset I had in high school. The difference this time is I wasn't the fastest, the strongest, or most athletic. So now my Commitment and WILLINGNESS to stick it out and grow into the wrestler I knew I was capable of was tested.
I failed miserably because I wasn’t committed to it. In other words I loved the idea of being a college wrestler and getting my hand held up after a match, wearing the singlet and ultimately being a top guy in country, but I wasn’t WILLING or EMOTIONALLY FIT to grow through the bumps and bruises to get there.
This is like the person who says they want to lose weight or get in shape, but expects it to happen with no struggle or resistance. They don’t focus on the habits and principles for better health instead they focus on the short term goal; the scale reading or an after picture. They don’t realize its about the journey and the person you become along the way that really matters.
Being committed is to truly decide that you’re going to do something without knowing all the details or hardships along the way but you’re willing to press forward no matter the storms that come. At the end of it you have no regrets because you know you put your best self forward the entire time. This person is patient and willing to delay instant gratification; they’re focused on the process.
Being interested on the other hand is not truly deciding, but instead hoping that something will turn out the way you want it, but the second you come up against resistance you back off or make excuses instead of adjusting and pressing forward. This person is not willing to be uncomfortable or vulnerable; they’re focused on the outcome only.
I believe most of the time we’re simply wishing or hoping for something. We sit back and wait for that person or outside force to save us. When we don’t get what we want we point the finger at everything but ourselves not realizing it’s ultimately our responsibility regardless of a coach, a boss, teacher or whomever is there to help us.
Committing doesn’t mean you’ll always reach the outcome you want, but you know along the process you put your best self forward with the things you could control and you’re a lot better off because of it.
“Champions aren't made in the ring, they are merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights.” ~Joe Frazier~