The Value of Commitment
We're presented with a never-ending array of options in the modern day...
24/7 notifications demanding our attention,
infinite scrolling on social media feeds,
countless streaming services…
Each moment presents us with hundreds of micro-decisions that quickly drain our mental energy.
With these multitudes of options, we’ve further cultivated a collective mentality that we should be doing whatever we want, whenever we want. We’ve come to celebrate unlimited freedom and constant pivoting as virtues, believing that constraints are merely obstacles to our happiness.
Floating aimlessly and anxiously, we struggle to commit to any single path…
But what if true fulfillment isn’t found in endless choice, but in choosing one thing deeply, and giving it everything we’ve got?
"Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose—and commit myself to—what is best for me."
—Paulo Coelho
You walk into a store to buy a tube of toothpaste, staring at the shelves…
You freeze, overwhelmed by the wall of options before you: paste, gel, whitening, all-natural…
Twenty minutes go by.
You're still there, in the aisle, comparing ingredients and second-guessing each decision.
Finally, exhausted by the mental effort, you grab the same brand you've always used and hurry to checkout, somehow less satisfied than if you'd had only three options to begin with.
The field of psychology calls this phenomenon the paradox of choice, and it doesn’t just stop with consumerism—it echoes throughout all areas of our lives, whether it’s a skill we’re developing, a pursuit we're following, or a relationship we’re engaging in.
When faced with too many options, it’s easy for us to feel overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of possibilities. We may find ourselves constantly questioning our decisions or wondering if something else might be better. In this space, we may feel directionless, drifting from one fleeting interest to the next.
Our attention becomes fragmented and we’re left feeling anxious, exhausted, and unable to focus on what truly matters. This leads to decision fatigue, making it difficult to make or well-informed or committed choice.
In other words, while modern culture often celebrates the freedom of unlimited options, having more choices doesn't necessarily lead to greater fulfillment...
"The key to success is not in trying to do more, but in narrowing your focus and simplifying your life."
—Tim Ferris
If endless arrays of options leave us feeling exhausted and anxious, it stands to reason that the opposite may be true—deliberately narrowing our choices could be the key to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
With this practice of simplification, we no longer spread ourselves thin by trying to juggle multiple tasks at once. We instead prioritize fewer, more meaningful pursuits where our efforts become more concentrated, focused, and intentional.
This level of focus allows us to develop and settle into a more regular and grounded routine, where we can give our full attention to the tasks at hand. We can put more care and detail into the work we do, resulting in relationships, projects, products, or services that feel more substantial and rewarding.
As we embrace commitment in this way, our lives take on a flavor of direction and purpose. We cultivate the skills of self-control and delayed gratification, and we begin to understand that the most meaningful results often take time and effort.
We learn and grow at a steady rate, recognizing patterns and unlocking new insights with ease. We create a momentum in which we can develop mastery.
Then, as a master of our craft, we carry a weight of wisdom that acts to guide those around us…
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think of the people who you admire. It could be your father, a best friend, a professor, an athlete, or an author…
What is it about them that you respect?
It’s likely that these individuals have committed themselves to a craft you share an interest in and have reached a certain level of mastery in it.
Masters throughout history have consistently echoed a similar core message: simplicity and commitment are the path to fulfillment. They understood that by embracing fewer choices and narrowing our focus, we free ourselves from distraction and allow for deeper commitment to what truly matters.
At first, the endless array of options may feel exhilarating, giving us constant dopamine hits as we chase the next experience…
However, pleasure proves fleeting, and endless options will never satisfy our deepest desires. True contentment arises from the power of commitment—to a relationship, a meaningful goal, a greater purpose, or service to others.
The question becomes: what are you committing yourself to?
A strong body?
A refined mind?
Improved communication?
Empathetic and loving interactions?
May we pursue a journey toward a more intentional life—one where we choose depth over breadth, meaning over distraction, and purpose over endless possibility.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a master’s-level mental health professional and author in Pensacola, Florida. His philosophy is that each and every individual holds wellsprings of wisdom within them, and with the right tools, can access this wisdom to live purposeful, healthy, and resilient lives.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
