We live in a world that struggles mightily with commitment. We either fear commitment or we over commit ourselves. The value of a commitment has depreciated greatly over the last century.
“Most people fail, not because of a lack of desire, but because of lack of commitment.” Vince Lombardi
We live in a culture where:
On average less than 30% of employees continue beyond one year in the hospitality industry.
Our most recent retirees changed jobs an average of 11 times by the time they retired.
In light of social media, the quality of our relationships has taken a back seat to the quantity of our relationships. This is both personally and professionally. The lack of face to face interaction makes it much easier to disengage and look elsewhere to have our needs met.
We can always find another “friend” or job when things start to go sideways. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest in decades. It’s easier now to move sideways to avoid responsibility and start over than ever before. The average number of Facebook friends is 338! Do we really have or need that many? Is it possible to have so many friends that we experience loneliness? That seems to be what is happening. It only takes a click to friend, and a click to unfriend. There is not a lot of trust required, and virtually no commitment apart from the effort of a click.
The Lateral Loop

Another trend that I see is that the number of employees that bounce to lateral positions has increased. It’s like musical chairs for a large portion of the work force. They are searching for significance, wanderers in the universe trying to find that just right place to land. Unfortunately what we are looking for cannot be found in a job alone, nor can it be found without a level of commitment. I would estimate that around a third of the workforce in the service industry moves around from place to place without any significant growth or advancement. Are they are moving to find something, or to get away from something?
Stepping Stones
There are many very responsible reasons why people move on to other opportunities. Starting a new career, or advancement in compensation, and opportunity for personal growth are a number of excellent reasons to terminate employment for another opportunity. We love when people come to us with a bigger plan and use us as a stepping stone to get reach their dream destiny. Unfortunately in the hospitality industry, these are the exceptions rather than the norm. Most turnover in the service industry has less to do with opportunity and more to do with a lack of commitment to push through current obstacles to reach another level. It’s amaizing how many people fail at the easiest jobs.
So many people are blind to the potential that is just down the road if they just stick it out, and be willing to stretch their capacity and develop their long-term credibility. People who keep starting over never see the top of the mountain, but they work just as hard without ceasing because they have to. They don’t get to experience the fruits of success that only comes through commitment, dedication and resolve.

There is a greater opportunity for a person without a college or high school education to become a millionaire in the hospitality industry than any other industry in our country. I personally know many. For those who choose an alternate route than college, this should be music to your ears. This industry is screaming out for responsible people willing to commit to learning and serving. Opportunity isn’t the problem.
We have entered an era where lack of commitment leads to a lack of trust, and a lack of trust leads to a lack of commitment. It’s a downward spiral that will only reverse if we choose to break the cycle.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” Paul J. Meyer
Stick it out!… Decide, Commit, Push Hard!…. Get there!
Are you truly committed?
The Commitment Test; (Be honest with yourself)
Do you do as much as you can, or as little as you have to at work?
Are you committed to personal growth?, or are you just living out who you already are?
Are you fully committed unconditionally to your significant other, or is there a point that will justify a disconnect?
Do you have 2-3 people in your life that you trust and can be 100% transparent with?
Are you easily distracted by entertainment that keeps you from progressing?
Do you go out of your way to find comfort and security?
Do you struggle to finish what you start?
Do you have several wasted days each month that you simply exist without cause?
Do you have trouble saying “No” to good opportunities or people?
Do you have trouble saying “Yes” to good opportunities or people?
If you have answered yes to more than a couple of these, you likely struggle with commitment.
If you wish to change that, here is a good start.
Decide what you want. Remove all other options and excuses from your brain.
Make one decision TODAY to commit 100% to something that what will move you closer. Write it down.
Tell someone about it and give them permission to hold you accountable to it. Hint, don’t ask someone that is not committed to you.
Repeat tomorrow, and the next day until you feel satisfied that you have fully committed to what you want.
Keep an ongoing list of the commitments you need to focus on for growth, and a list of what you need to uncommit to, to make room for your new commitments. Hint, you cannot commit to one thing without uncommitting to another.
Now, stand by your commitments, and teach others…
I would love to hear your feedback.
Joel Smith
319-930-1045
joel@joelsmithcoach.com
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