Commitment – Why is it so hard?

Committing yourself to anything can be comforting, frightening, fulfilling — all of these things and more. But what is it about human nature that the word “commit” brings chills? We all commit to something whether we want to or not.  We commit to not committing.  We commit to things that are not good for us. So why do we cringe when the word “Commitment” is spoken for anything we do?

The most difficult action of that word “Commitment” is in relationships. For either a man or woman, to commit to someone else for the rest of their natural lives seems frightening and unheard of these days.  With the so-called many choices one has the question always arises,”why should I limit myself to one person when there are so many to choose from?” “To say that one waits a lifetime for his soulmate to come around is a paradox. People eventually get sick of waiting, take a chance on someone, and by the art of commitment become soulmates, which takes a lifetime to perfect.” ―Criss Jami, Venus in Arms

The following quotes really express the depth of commitment,”Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” ―Peter F. Drucker  
“Until  one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.” ―William Murray 
“Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.”— David McNally
“In order to ‘hold fast’ to something, one must allow oneself to be held tosomething. That commitment may be one of the hardest things to practice in a world of so much choice.” — Sheena Iyengar

We know that promises are often broken and hopes can only be just dreams but if we are to move forward and become great, we must learn to not shy away from commitments.

How does this word make you feel?  Are there commitments you are running away from?