JOHN MAXWELL: THERE ARE NO HALF-HEARTED CHAMPIONS

1. Commitment Usually is Discovered in the Midst of Adversity. People don’t really know whether they are committed to something until they face adversity. Struggles strengthen a person’s resolve. Adversity fosters commitment, and commitment fosters hard work. And the more you work at something, the less likely you are to give up on it. As NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi said, “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” Committed people don’t surrender easily.

2. Commitment Does Not Depend on Gifts or Abilities. Sometimes when we know of talented people who are highly successful, we may be tempted to think that commitment is easier for them because of their talent. But that isn’t true. Commitment and talent are unconnected—unless you connect them.

3. Commitment Comes as the Result of Choice, Not Conditions. Far too many people think that conditions determine choices. More often, choices determine conditions. When you choose commitment, you give yourself a chance for success.

4. It’s one thing to make a commitment in a moment. It’s another to stick with it.

From "The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player" by John C. Maxwell