Devotion is different from commitment

A week ago, I couldn’t remember the last time I heard the word devotion.

Then, on Wednesday, devotion came up in a coaching session.

Then my algorithm started showing me a bunch of content about devotion.

Then, in a conversation with a friend over the weekend, she said to me, “It sounds like you’re pretty devoted.”

All this nudging from the universe got me wondering: What actually is devotion, and what am I devoted to?

Most of us associate devotion with romance or religion. It does belong there—and it goes much further.

Devotion is the quiet, consistent way you arrange yourself around what matters in your life. It’s an orientation you keep returning to.

This is different from, say, commitment, which is more about the practices and habits you put in place to support your intentions.

You may be committed to sticking to a budget, while you’re devoted to longterm financial freedom.

You may be committed to listening without interrupting, while you’re devoted to making people feel seen.

You may be committed to showing up on time, while you’re devoted to being a person your friends and family can count on.

Commitment directs your actions.
Devotion shapes your being.

Our devotions don’t always cooperate.

You may be committed to improving your relationships, yet you’re devoted to avoiding conflict.

You may be committed to leaving an unfulfilling job, yet you’re devoted to your current definition of security.

You may be committed to working out, yet you’re devoted to comfort.

Commitment is something you make.
Devotion is something that makes you.

So how is this distinction between commitment and devotion useful?

When I look at my own life, I notice I’m a lot more aware of the things I’m committed to than the things I’m devoted to. Many of my devotions run in the background, silently influencing my choices and—crucially—the way I experience those choices as they play out.

There’s an opportunity to bring more consciousness to the things we’re devoted to. With greater awareness, we can better understand our desires and identify misalignments with our commitments.

Do you know what you’re devoted to?

What patterns do you see in how you relate to what matters in your life?

For better or worse, what do you keep returning to?

Providence, RI
December 2025