Why Commitment Feels So Hard Today

As we move into 2026, I thought it was time for me to '‘commit’ to writing about a topic I’ve delayed sharing for a long time now. It’s quite appropriate as we move into the New Year with renewed goals and desires because it takes commitment if we truly want to change or achieve our aspiration, so here we go:

Do you ever feel frustrated when people don’t commit?

You plan a gathering, a dinner, a workshop, or a simple get-together. You put in the effort and even expense. You send the invitation. And then… people don’t RSVP. Or they RSVP “yes,” only to cancel at the last minute—or not show up at all. You hear phrases like “I want to wait and see” or “I’ll let you know,” as if something better might come along. Often, nothing does. And it can feel disappointing, disrespectful, or just plain exhausting.

What’s harder to notice—but equally important—is when you do the same thing to others.

This struggle with commitment isn’t happening in a vacuum. We live in a time of extraordinary stimulation and choice. It’s often said that we are bombarded with more information and options in a single day than our ancestors received in an entire lifetime. Whether or not that statement is perfectly measurable, it points to a deeper truth: your attention is constantly being pulled, fragmented, and competed for.

When everything feels possible, commitment can feel risky. Choosing one thing means not choosing another. Leaving options open can feel safer than deciding—yet that “openness” often turns into stagnation. Energy that isn’t directed gets scattered.

At its core, commitment isn’t about restriction. It’s about clarity. Commitment is the decision to show up consistently for something that matters—even when novelty fades or discomfort arises. It requires presence, honesty, and follow-through. And it reflects trust: trust that your word means something, trust that effort compounds, and trust that choosing a direction is better than endlessly circling possibilities.

Commitment also shapes reputation—not just with others, but with yourself. Every time you follow through, you reinforce self-trust. Every time you avoid, delay, or hedge, something inside you takes note. This isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness.

Perhaps the most challenging commitment of all is the one you make to yourself.

In a world where commitment feels difficult everywhere, internal commitments can be just as fragile—if not more so. You may say you’ll rest, create, speak up, or take the next step, and then quietly postpone it. Over time, that disconnect can erode confidence and clarity. Not because you’re incapable, but because your inner knowing is asking for alignment.

As I step into 2026—my Year of Forward Momentum—I’m choosing to meet commitment differently.

I’ve recognized that for a long time, I haven’t fully acknowledged the value I bring into the world.

Along with that, I’ve noticed how I’ve allowed myself to stay in the background—playing small, avoiding visibility, and not fully stepping into my true self. This isn’t because the work isn’t ready or meaningful, but because I’ve been carrying an old internal story that made it feel safer to remain unseen.

I’m very good at committing to others—showing up, supporting, holding space, and following through. Where I’ve fallen short is committing to myself, particularly when it comes to fully standing behind my own offerings and allowing them to be seen in the world.

That story has quietly fueled procrastination, hesitation, and delays around projects that have been calling me forward for quite some time. This year, I’m committed to changing that story. I’m choosing to rewrite the narrative I’ve been living from—one that underestimates my value—into one that reflects clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

I’m committing to working on my internal sense of value and worth, allowing myself to be more visible, and asking for what I offer with clarity and confidence. I’m also committing to creating a clear roadmap: outlining the projects I want to bring forward in the near, medium, and long term, and then taking intentional action, step by step.

That includes hiring a coach to support this internal shift (yes—coaches use coaches too; growth works that way), participating in a new personal breakthrough experience, and consciously changing my work environment and schedule to better support focus, momentum, and follow-through.

At its heart, commitment is less about willpower and more about alignment—choosing to support yourself in ways that make follow-through possible.

Commitment doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty, support, and willingness to stay present.

So the real question for this year isn’t “Why is commitment so hard?” It’s “What is important enough for you to commit to—consistently—in 2026?”

And what might change if you truly honored it?

“What is important enough for you to commit to—consistently—in 2026?”