Promise and Deliver

This week has been one of those weeks when things did not go according to plan because people failed to follow through their commitments. I had 2 meetings canceled at the last minute because people got double-booked, a dinner canceled because my friend was too busy and I am still waiting for the edits of my new book, Gentle Warrior, Awakening the Courage to Live a Bold and Brilliant Life, that my publisher promised would be here this week.

Although these situations are somewhat annoying, they are also great examples of the fact that as the velocity of our lives continues to increase we take less and less time to clearly think through our commitments. How often do we actually follow through on the promises we make? How many times do we forget to return phone calls, cancel appointments, or no-show for meetings? How often do we volunteer to do something and then realize that we don’t have the time or interest to follow through?

Our society rewards “busyness”, so it is tempting for us to want to become involved in as many things as possible. One group wants us on their board, our boss wants us to sit on a special task force, and our best friend wants help planning his wife’s 50th birthday. We feel very needed and important, and that feels good. So, instead of taking a couple of minutes to think about what truly makes sense for us to do, we jump right in and say “Yes” to everything, when deep down we know that in some cases “No” would be the better answer.

When we agree to do something we are making a commitment to deliver on a promise. Whether that promise involves attending a meeting or just returning a phone call, we now have other people relying on us. Many times we don’t realize the ripple effect that occurs when we don’t follow through. When we don’t follow through it causes people to change their plans, which then causes the next layer of people to also change their plans, etc. Everything we do connects to other people.

The next time someone asks you to do something, take a moment to think things through before your respond. Don’t promise what you won’t, or can’t, deliver. If you don’t have the interest or time, say, “no, thank you”. Your honesty and clarity will be much appreciated, and you will feel better because you won’t have that responsibility hanging over your head like a dark cloud. When you do say “yes”, make sure that you have the time, energy and passion needed, and then deliver 110%.

While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do greater things.
Francis de Sales