Mindset Mondays: Tara Scanlan — Have To vs Want To

Commitment isn’t just about “willpower” — If you want it badly enough, you’ll stick with it.

But sport psychologist Tara Scanlan proved that commitment isn't a single emotion — it’s a dynamic psychological formula. Her Sport Commitment Model breaks down exactly why we stay dedicated to a goal, or why our motivation burns out.

If you want to master your mindset, you have to understand the forces pulling at your commitment.

Scanlan’s research shows that commitment splits into two distinct psychological states:

• Enthusiastic Commitment ("Want To"): You push forward because of passion, joy, and a genuine desire to see what you are capable of.

• Constrained Commitment ("Have To"): You keep going because you feel trapped by obligation, guilt, or the fear of what others will think if you quit.

The Mindset Shift: While both forces can keep you moving, Constrained Commitment is exhausting and leads straight to burnout. Long-term greatness requires building Enthusiastic Commitment.

According to the model, your "Want To" drive is fueled or drained by four primary forces. To strengthen your mindset, you have to audit these pillars regularly:

1. Sport Enjoyment: Find the fun as often as possible.

2. Personal Investments: Value your time and effort by reminding yourself of the time, money, and energy you have already poured into your path.

3. Involvement Opportunities: Keep your eye on the prize — the unique benefits, friendships, growth, and opportunities that can come from this.

4. Other Priorities: Protect your focus by eliminating distractions.

Something to think about:

When things get tough, are you pushing forward because you want to or because you feel like you have to? Looking at your biggest goal right now, which of the 4 pillars needs an adjustment so you can stop running on obligation and start fueling your passion again?