Commitment & Dedication to Do Better this 2021

Commitment is defined as a promise or firm decision to do something, whereas dedication is defined as self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty (Merriam-Webster). Based on these definitions, it appears that commitment is a pledge while dedication is the outworking of that pledge. Commitment is like a vow that remains empty until is coupled with action. So to fulfill a commitment, dedication is needed as it calls one to act and align one’s priorities to the achievement of the goal.
Commitment and dedication, by nature, are the core values of visionaries because of their attitude to finish a work that they began in view of the fulfillment of the vision. It is necessary therefore that the vision, as an inner drive for commitment and dedication, is real and vivid in the heart and mind of the people pursuing it. It is like running a race where the runner runs with the end in view that he or she will not be running in vain. At the end of the race, one can say that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian novelist, quoted in relation to this: “You are not defeated when you lose; you are defeated when you quit”.   
The value of commitment and dedication becomes more meaningful when put to challenge. “Will you be persistent from start to finish?” is the apt question in relation to it. Staying put, however, is not an issue when the goal is possible to achieve and the mission is not compromised in the process. This is common among troops on critical assignment for purposes of regrouping and re-planning to avoid fatalities and undesired outcome. This makes a well-defined roadmap necessary in carrying out duties and responsibilities. People on the ground discharge their functions naturally when procedures are clear and the objectives are pure and unblemished.
With the motivation to do better this 2021, it is good to assess our present performance whether it is still a reflection of commitment and dedication or not. Is there a need to revisit any oath of commitment that we have entered into in the past in order to propel us for a forward thrust? Is there any point or instance where our foresight is clouded with circumstances that causes our dedication to dwindle? In public service, there are solemn declarations being made by employees or officials of the government before they assume their public functions. If we belong to the civil service, do we still recall these words of affirmation that we have made? Are we still holding on to them? Even if we are not, our laws require us to remain the same. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees require us to stay committed and dedicated to our public functions. The law was emphatic particularly commitment to public interest and commitment to democracy. We should enjoin ourselves to be such as expected. (NAS, CRFV)