The Courage to Commit

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From former Olympic gymnast and gold medal winner Shawn Johnson East and former NFL pro Andrew East—the dynamic duo behind the chart-topping Couple Things podcast—a bold rebrand of commitment in an uncommitted world

Modern life seems designed to keep us uncommitted. Commitment is unsexy, uncool, old-fashioned. Why commit to a loving but flawed partner when there are endless romantic options to swipe through on the apps? Why double down on finishing a difficult project when you could be scrolling TikTok, streaming Netflix, or starting a new, more exciting idea? We live in a world of limitless distraction, infinite possibility, a barrage of options and choices always available. So why does it still feel like something is missing?

As a gold medal winning Olympic gymnast and a former NFL pro, husband and wife team Shawn Johnson and Andrew East know a thing or two about committing. And with The Courage to Commit, they’re here to prove just how contrarian committing can be in an age of dopamine-chasing impatience. Through scientific studies and personal stories, Shawn and Andrew show readers why commitment matters, how it works, and the strategies and tactics to get things done—so you can become the type of person who gets that promotion, enjoys a rewarding marriage, and achieves that long-held dream. In short, so you can move beyond fear and find the freedom, meaning, and joy we all crave.

This isn't a book about cold plunges or intermittent fasting or meditation. Instead, The Courage to Commit makes a simple case for sticking with the things that matter. Because in a world of options and distraction, the real rebellion is choosing your hill to die on—and then planting your flag there with gusto.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs