Sure, But Are You Committed?

It’s easy to dabble. There are so many things to try in this big wide world we live in. Pick your entertainment, and you can find the Youtube channel of choice to discover how to cook, do comedy, build furniture or play a new sport.

My kids visited the headquarters of a premier yo-yo manufacturer recently. It’s a hobby they enjoy and have gotten deeply into. Onlookers tend to stop and watch in awe of their tricks and dexterity with their yo-yo’s when we are out and about.

We heard about the superstars who are sponsored by this company and are well-known in this niche and obsessed world.

One of the owners of the yo-yo company came out to greet us during our tour of the place. The kids got to hear how they identify and sponsor talent. I guess it’s no different than many markets we all navigate in the professional world. We learned you don’t get a free pass. The yo-yo execs are always on the lookout for great talent. But they don’t hunt you down hoping you will sign. They want to see consistency and commitment over a long period of time.

There’s a big difference between those who dabble and those who are committed. Committed people show up frequently and care a great deal every day. They put themselves out there for the world to see, and over time, they get a name for themselves from the work, the art per se, they do repeatedly.

Furthermore, they are always innovating and coming up with new tricks of the trade. That shows commitment to the craft. The great thing is that committed people go beyond just doing what they do for the paycheck. They show up eagerly and keep creating.

We live in a crowded world, and it’s hard to stand out if you are an expert. But your commitment can shine through and speak volumes.

Keep a body of work that is easy to find, navigate and share. Make your craft tell a story about yourself. Do it for a long time.

There are plenty of people in the audience wanting to see consistent, excellent work over time you care about and will knock down your door to get you involved.

Commitment comes at a cost. But you get noticed, and that’s far more rewarding than being generalized and irrelevant.