How do you know if you're actually committed to something?

Not "interested." Not "working on it." Actually committed.

Here's the test. Answer honestly.

1. Have you told people what you're doing? Not vaguely. Specifically. "I'm building X. I'm going to achieve Y." Public commitment creates accountability. If you're keeping it quiet "until it works out," you're hedging.

2. Have you cut off your escape routes? Is your backup plan still warm? Are you "keeping your options open"? Commitment means burning the boats. If retreat is easy, you're not committed.

3. Do you work on it when you don't feel like it? Motivation is for amateurs. Commitment means showing up when it's boring, hard, and unrewarding. If you only work when inspired, you're not committed.

4. Have you sacrificed something real for it? Time. Money. Comfort. Relationships that were holding you back. Commitment costs something. If it's cost you nothing, you're not committed.

5. Is your identity attached to it? Not "I'm trying to be a writer." But "I'm a writer." When the outcome becomes part of who you are—not just what you do—you're committed.

6. Have you survived a moment when quitting made sense? Everyone hits a wall where stopping is logical. The committed push through anyway. If you haven't faced that moment yet, wait. It's coming.

How many can you honestly answer yes to?

0-2: You're interested, not committed. 3-4: You're getting there. But you're still holding back. 5-6: You're actually in it.

Most people I talk to score 1 or 2. They think they're committed because they think about it a lot.

Thinking isn't commitment. Action is. Sacrifice is. Burning the boats is.

Where did you land?

Done negotiating.

-Joel