Commitment and Communication Create Community

Do you really want it?

At 18 years old, Walt Disney was fired from a local newspaper business because his boss thought he lacked imagination.

Less than four decades later, in 1955, Walt opened the most innovative theme park on the planet, Disneyland. A setback in his teenage years became the primary setup to his miraculous, creative comeback.

At a Walt Disney Awards Ceremony, where individuals are honored for continuous commitment to their craft, Rich Ruffalo won both the Outstanding Coach and the Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Rich was not only a world-record-holding Olympian with 32 national titles and 14 international gold medals in Track & Field, he was blind. Rich personifies the notion: we do not believe in our greatness once we see it; we see our greatness once we believe it. I have met Rich personally, and he often exclaims: “When others say you can’t, champions say, “Watch me!”

Without words, just through his instrument, Miles Davis became a global phenomenon. Best known for his jazz improvisation, Miles battled institutional racism throughout his teenage years; he underwent a serious throat operation that jeopardized his career; and, he turbulently navigated alcohol and drug addictions for decades. Nevertheless, Miles persevered, using his skillset and work ethic to become “a pioneer of 20th-century music,” according to The Guardian. Rather than refer to it as “jazz,” Miles preferred calling it, “new directions.” A combination of unwavering commitment and unconventional communication allowed him, like Walt Disney, to create a community that changed the world forever.

Why do some people give up while others give everything?

How do a few people find belief while most find excuses,

What’s the difference between those who hold themselves to a higher standard versus those who hold themselves back?

Commitment.
Communication.
Community.

To commit means to come together fully. It refers to complete engagement. Those who are committed sacrifice alternative options.

The greats are all in.

Communication means to make common. What’s normal for us, praise or criticism? What’s standard in our day-to-day lives, leading with presence or shying away? Is it typical for us to speak truthfully and to act boldly, or for us to climb internally and to focus on mere survival? The quality of our communication determines the quality of our lives.

The greats ask questions and listen, to both their own dreams and to others.

Shared service is the definition of community. Beyond personal ego, individuals who prize relationships win more prizes. Are we looking for common ground to attain higher ground, or do we concentrate on what makes us different? An ability worth acquiring: enroll others into a vision through dialogue, emotional engagement, and convicted actions.

The greats lead others to greatness, too.

As those in my corner know, I was at a crossroads in my twenties — stay in a seemingly comfortable, known job in finance services on Wall Street or take on an entrepreneurial, unknown adventure into performance coaching through a leap of faith. Should I follow societal norms instead of committing to my own path? Could I live a fulfilling, healthy life by muting my own, authentic voice? Would I be okay with working inside teams, organizations, and communities that did not align with my personality, temperament, and core values. No, no, & no. Therefore, because I feared the path of least resistance more than I feared the challenge of entrepreneurship, I transitioned. I pivoted. I committed to building my own business, to communicating with like-minded mentors, and to creating a supportive community that helps others [via the Meaningful Growth Foundation]. Roughly a decade after those crossroads, I reflect on three iconic quotes by Walt Disney:

It all begins with commitment — “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

It thrives through ever-evolving, consistent communication — “Disneyland is a living breathing thing. It will never be complete. We will continue to plus the show.”

It changes the world through community — “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.”

The only questions that really matter (trite yet tried and true): What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Even if you did fail, what is the worst that could happen? Based on those answers, what’s still holding you back?

Walt Disney was told he lacked imagination. Rich Ruffalo was blind. Miles Davis brawled addiction.

Burn the boats.

Sacrifice alternative options.

Commit!