I didn't hear much from that individual, and then in time, I was astounded by the progress she made in her life. That situation led me to think about the strength of quiet commitment--the kind of steadfast, personal, nose-to-the-grindstone commitment many quietly exemplify as they work towards valuable goals and pursuits.
This kind of commitment is quite different than the public, all-in, share-your-journey commitment others choose as they reach for a goal. Is one way better than the other? I think that depends on the situation--for some goals, a quiet commitment trumps a public reach, and for other goals, it's important to let people know where you're headed and to ask for their regular support. Of course, most goal work is probably a good combination of quiet commitment and public support--you may reach out to a few close friends or family members for support and share the journey with them, but on the greater public front, stay more quiet about where you're headed.
It's good to consider the way you want to reach for and work for a goal and who you want to include up front. That doesn't mean you have to stick to the initial decision, but that awareness will help. Onward.