The Power of ‘Over the Top’ Commitment: Seth Godin 🌔 on Unreasonable Dedication

In a recent LinkedIn post, Seth Godin 🌔 discusses the concept of “over the top” commitment, defining it as an unreasonable dedication that precedes any guarantee of success. Godin 🌔 uses this idea to explore the nature of true persistence and the exceptional efforts made by individuals and teams who are driven by passion rather than immediate results.

Defining Unreasonable Commitment

Godin 🌔 introduces “unreasonable commitment” as a dedication, persistence, and investment that appears disproportionate or illogical to external observers. This level of commitment, he argues, is not sustainable for every aspect of work or life, which is precisely why expecting it universally is unreasonable.

“Unreasonable commitment is unreasonable. It happens before there’s a guarantee it will work. It’s out of proportion to what others think is standard. Unreasonable commitment is dedication, persistence, care, energy, connection and investment that doesn’t seem to make sense.”

As Godin 🌔 points out, this kind of dedication is often what separates exceptional work from the ordinary. It’s a choice made by those who are deeply invested in their craft, even when the audience or recognition is minimal.

Case Study: Mel Robbins and Podcast Hosts

To illustrate his point, Godin 🌔 shares an anecdote about his extensive experience with podcasts. He notes the professionalism and consistent effort of many hosts who continue their work for years with few listeners, driven by their passion for the medium.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to do hundreds of podcasts. The hosts are even kinder and more professional than you’d imagine, showing up for months or years with virtually no listeners. They do it because they care.”

However, Godin 🌔 highlights a particularly impactful experience with Mel Robbins. He recounts spending a day recording with Robbins and her team, who then dedicated six months to editing the material. This level of post-production effort, he suggests, is a prime example of “over the top” commitment that goes far beyond standard expectations.

“Last September, I spent the day with Mel Robbins and her team of more than a dozen professionals. We recorded for four hours, two episodes worth, and then they quietly spent six months editing the work.”

Godin 🌔 uses this example to show that this “over the top” approach, as seen in Robbins’ meticulous editing process, fosters an environment where “better is possible” not just for the creator but for everyone involved – the team, the guests, and the audience.

Commitment as a Choice

The insights shared by Godin 🌔 underscore that such extraordinary effort is a deliberate choice. He references Neil Pasricha’s earlier writings about Mel Robbins, emphasizing that her success and dedication were evident long before her major breakthroughs.

“Unreasonable commitment doesn’t seem like a good plan until after it works.”

In essence, Godin 🌔 argues that while “unreasonable commitment” might appear imprudent in the moment, it is often the very factor that leads to significant achievements and breakthroughs. It’s a testament to the idea that deep care and persistent effort, even when seemingly excessive, can yield remarkable results.