Commitment...
- Leadership Harbor Coach
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
“...the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Proverbs 13:4 (ESV)
I recently came across a radio conversation between Grant Wistram and Jason Peterson
about their time playing football at Nebraska. The topic centered on how teammates were removed from the team. They said the coaching staff sometimes removed players, but other times the decision was left to the team: whether to keep that player or cut them. They did not make the decision based on how much that person could contribute on the field during a game. Instead, it often came down to how committed that teammate was to the team itself. The question was whether they caused division or put the team first through actions that represented the team. Did they demonstrate that they were more concerned about winning for this team, or were they more about their own personal success and accolades?
The standard was clear:
How much of your personal interest were you willing to give up to ensure the team's success? Holding to that standard helped the team win back-to-back national championships. In the end, commitment to something larger than one's own success provided a path for everyone to succeed.
Being committed to the wrong thing can be detrimental.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Proverbs 13:4 (ESV). If you're devoted to a life of ease and not willing to put in the work to produce something that will benefit others, you often become the sacrifice that allows others to succeed. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”
During a period of employment at Walmart, an observation emerged about workplace dynamics that likely holds true in many jobs. Employees motivated to perform well for the store or invested in their roles tended to thrive. This pattern appeared across all positions—management, door greeters, cashiers, and stockers. Individuals committed to excellence and success often became department leaders, received promotions, or were the first to be asked when important tasks needed to be completed.
In contrast, employees who remained solely out of financial necessity often avoided work, complained more frequently, and became individuals others tended to avoid. These employees rarely received promotions and were often let go. Consequently, tasks with greater value or benefit typically went to those who worked for the company's greater good.
Those who demonstrated commitment also experienced greater joy in their lives, as their motivation extended beyond earning a paycheck. Joy stemmed from contributing to something larger than personal gain. This is the true power of commitment: investing in endeavors that benefit others leads to personal thriving. Conversely, individuals who do not work for the benefit of others often feel oppressed, observing others receive and enjoy the rewards they desire for themselves.
The right mindset is essential to benefit from actions that produce positive outcomes.
Although the tasks at Walmart were essentially the same for everyone, those who experienced joy also demonstrated commitment, while those who lacked joy were not dedicated to adding value for others.
Similar dynamics can be observed within a church community. Those who display genuine joy are often the ones actively involved and committed to living out their faith and participating in church activities. In contrast, individuals who are less involved may appear to be present out of obligation rather than enthusiasm. Growth in faith requires a commitment to contributing in ways that benefit others, which fosters joy and a thriving life.
Go and Live Beyond Average
P.S. Do you want to be crystal clear on what you value, how you want to contribute to the world, and be able to identify barriers that you buy into so that you can overcome them and Live Beyond Average? It would be my honor to serve as your life coach. Please reach out to me or one of the Leadership Harbor coaches and set up a discovery coaching session, or join one of our fantastic leadership opportunities.
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