The Dedication Equation

Your lack of dedication to a cause doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person. It only questions your wants.

In other words, what do you want?

The first thing to note is everyone has the ability to be dedicated to something. If that was not the case, then TV programmes won’t have loyal viewers.

While some are dedicated to watching Game of Thrones, others are dedicated to Indian or Mexican movies.

And the reason is simple – we’re getting what we want.

The Dedication equation is solved when two conditions are met:
– Value is given
– Value is received

For a movie, value given is time and attention. Value received is entertainment. We watch TV programmes to be entertained. That’s what we want. So we give our time and attention to get that.

For the workplace, value given is skills. Value received can be the salary at the end of the month.

What happens when the salary wanted isn’t received? The employee’s dedication reduces.

But if what he really wants is capacity building in exchange for his skills, the salary doesn’t count. He’ll remain dedicated regardless. In a workplace, the ultimate want isn’t always the salary.

David in 1Samuel 17:36 showed that while he took care of his father’s sheep, he wasn’t after renumeration but in improving his “shepherd-ability”. It was his bragging rights and he remained dedicated.

Moses grew up in Egypt, and God used the unusual to attract Moses. And in Exodus 2:11, he showed that what he wanted was freedom for his people. God gave him that proposal in Exodus 3. Value given would be unusual signs and miracles through Moses. Value received would be freedom.

So when your dedication to something starts to diminish, ask yourself, “What do I want that I’m not getting?” It’s that simple.