Individual Commitment
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Feb 22, 2023
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 11:00
Working on a computer, PETER selects and opens a document file "16022023".
PETER (V.O.): When I got the professional assignment on Feb 14, 2023, I started working right away.
Peter reads the text on screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): From Feb 17-21, 2023, I haven't done anything to improve the Feb 16, 2023 draft.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I was committed to engaging my family members, their dearest and closest, whether locally or from abroad.
Modifying the text.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And yesterday, I spent the whole day in a HKUST retreat.
Editing the text.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Interest or commitment isn't a word, it's action-oriented.
Act 2
EXT. PARK - 14:30
Jogging.
PETER (V.O.): I'm committed to exercising whenever and wherever I can. Health is wealth.
Jogging.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm interested in practising the piano, dancing Rumba and learning Japanese and Korean, but I haven't done them for days.
Jogging.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): After jogging, I'll reward myself with food and drink.
Peter jogs in the direction of a mall.
INT. RESTAURANT - 15:00
Peter is having noodles in soup.
PETER (V.O.): Before resuming my professional work this morning, I've ordered a novel device and seed kits, wanting to grow flowers and vegetables indoors.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They're the value propositions of a friend's business model. Supporting him aside, I want to test if they'd satisfy the targeted customer segment.
Eating.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I'm interested in doing something, I can make easy and comfortable decisions.
Enjoying a cup of tangerine honey, Peter is glued to his phone screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, my order for CX shares at $7.57 has been filled. I didn't expect that.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I bought my first lot at $7.77, the second lot at $7.67. Would I be able buy other lots at $7.47 or $7.37 even though the airline has high-load factor?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I first flew the old aircraft type 707 when I was at age 27. Since then, I flew several times a year until the Covid outbreak.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While doing my second LLM from 1986-1987, I specialised in Air Law.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I didn't have the opportunity to practise Air Law. I taught the subject as part of International Law.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I had the interest to read a PhD in Air Law, but the circumstances were such that I didn't make it happen.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Upon reflection, I had the interest but not the commitment.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Last year, I have bought two NFTs. I haven't secured my ownership yet, as it isn't convenient to do so.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having known the impact of ChatGPT answers, I've been demotivated to answer questions on Quora.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Without commitment, one can't be deep in anything, whether it's a hobby, a business or a relationship.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's high time I appraised the difference between interest and commitment.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 20: 00
We see Peter editing a draft text on the computer screen.
PETER (V.O.): When I'm interested in doing something, I do it only when it's convenient and the circumstances permit.
Continuing to work on the computer, Peter accepts all "Track Changes".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I'm committed to doing something, I accept no excuses, only effective and efficient results.
Contentedly, Peter saves the draft on screen as "22022023".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When there's individual commitment to institutional effort, society and civilization also work.
FADE OUT
THE END
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