Comments on: The Opportunity of Obligation

By: 5 Ways to Lead the Way to Holiday Miracles

5 Ways to Lead the Way to Holiday Miracles — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:52:10 +0000

[...] do. If the holidays are fraught with what feel like burdensome obligations, you may want to read The Opportunity of Obligation. One thing we always do have a choice about is our attitude and the mood we bring to any [...]

By: Daniel Chan

Daniel Chan — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:49:53 +0000

I just discovered your site via Results.com and I have enjoyed everyone of your Posts. I appreciate the distinction you have made between obligations and commitments. I see obligations like something within the Circle of Concern that I have little say. However, when I choose to make a paradigm shift in response to the obligation (that I dread) and commit to do something in line with my values, I have moved myself into the Circle of Influence, and I am empowered as a result. I also feel how well we can change a situation will depend on how much we choose to act in line with our core values. The more aware we are to our values, the more easily we can proactively realign ourselves in any given situation.

By: Posts of Interest From the Blogosphere « Musings from the Moonroom

Posts of Interest From the Blogosphere « Musings from the Moonroom — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:34:01 +0000

[...] The Opportunity of Obligation: Susan Mazza shares some great insight on acting out of commitment or acting out of obligation. [...]

By: Gwyn Teatro

Gwyn Teatro — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:24:35 +0000

I really like the distinction you make between obligation and commitment. We often make these two synonymous when they are not.
To me, each of those words carries with it an emotional tug. As you say, commitment suggests choice and, it also suggests feels like love. Whether I am committed to a person, or an idea, or a project I find it easier to carry out the sometimes mundane or obligatory tasks associated with them because in the end, I’m doing them out of love.
Obligation on its own feels like sacrifice, guilt, and even martyrdom, without intrinsic reward. As you say, the payback for obligation goes to things like looking good or “not rocking the boat” things that in the long run (or even the short run) are not very satisfying at all.
Your posts always prod me into thinking, Susan. Thank you!

By: Joe Williams

Joe Williams — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:51:51 +0000

Thank you for the distinction between commitment and obligation, Susan. I do commit myself to a number of items. Am I obligated? Not necessarily. The commitments I see as adding value, whether it be to accomlish a task, communicate information, plan, or teambuild.

By: Saurooon

Saurooon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:58:37 +0000

Greatings, Everything dynamic and very positively!
Thank you
Saurooon

By: Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:54:51 +0000

Susan,

This is great! I call these types of obligations the “stop doing” list. What can you take off your to-do list and put it on the “stop doing” list? I make it a goal to put five things on my stop doing list daily. That helps me say no more often, when I should.

Thanks for the reminder!

Gini

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:19:41 +0000

Susan,

These are great thoughts and questions. I am reminded that I need to either choose to live in the moment and devote my attention to the situation, devote some energy to improving the situation for all or just say no. I seldom just say no, but sometimes that’s my best choice because I can’t devote the energy to fixing something. Thanks for making me think, which you always do so well.

Mike…