"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results."

Kenneth A. BlanchardBy now we have all settled into the New Year and have either given up on our new year's resolutions or dug deep to find the willpower to get up at 5 a.m. for a sweaty yoga class. Those of us who are still going strong are committed.We've made the decision to be healthier and stick to it, no matter what. And those of us who haven't exactly found the strength to keep going may have found other interests (sleeping, for example). So what's the difference in being interested in something and being committed?Just like successful business author Kenneth Blanchard pointed out, those of us who are interested in something can take it or leave it.We don't schedule volunteer time into our daily lives, but if something pops up when we aren't otherwise busy, we'll lend a hand.Being committed is something entirely different. We have every meeting and event marked on our calendars months in advance.We talk about our passion with our friends and family and even networks that are being newly created. And we will make sure our time spent volunteering results in success, whatever that may mean.When people are committed to making an endeavor successful, they participate 110 percent and not only work for success but also strive to get others around them interested in the cause.They are LEADERS! And those who are interested in helping leaders succeed are participants. The difference is passion!Whether you love to cycle, fix cars, hear children laugh or listen to live music, you have passion. If you find resolution in fighting for someone who doesn't have a voice, you have passion. If you can't bear to see a pet in need without helping, you have passion!And if you have passion, you can be committed! Be a participant, be leader, have passion and get involved in your community.Visit

www.volunteermatch.com and search for Carbon County to find organizations that are waiting for your passion in our area.Opportunities to get involved in our local community are also available at the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp.Stop by 137 South St. in Lehighton to learn more about how to get involved in supporting our communities through business growth and development as well as giving back to community organizations.