This week we’ve been asked to feed a neighbours ducks, chicken and move the cows. The instructions were fairly basic and up to us how often we did it.
The thing is they feed these guys twice a day and even though they gave us some leeway we’ll be feeding them as often as they do.
Why? Because we said we would. Even though these guys and the cows are spoiled they shouldn’t have to miss out because we can’t be bothered walking up the road.
Keeping promises, or, doing what you said you would do. This is something that a lot of people find very difficult to do. They have a range of excuses they try to pass off as valid reasons. But, at the end of the day, they are just excuses for not doing what you said you were going to do.
Whether it is making a call, getting an appointment, being late to a meeting or not getting a quote done. I’m sure you could tell me a perfectly good excuse for not doing them.
However, the difference in your life by just following up or making that call can be HUGE. And, it makes an amazing impact on your life and the people you deal with.
I struggle with this every day when it comes to quotes and proposals. I find them hard because almost everyone is custom. So, I put them off.
Why can’t people just say, “Let’s go!”.
One way successful people have found to make sure they keep promises is only to promise to do what they know they can within time constraints and their knowledge. This way what they said would get done gets done and something more besides. Timelines everyone has agreed to help me with this.
Part of keeping promises is ‘exceeding expectations’. If you do this your friends, family and clients the will always be happy with what you’ve you do for them.
Another way to keep promises is to set drop-dead deadlines. Deadlines like that are great as they put pressure on you to keep promises. They form a basis for accountability and measure your progress.
This week, start small with your promises and meet them. This will lead to you getting into the habit of doing what you say when you said you would do it. Remember most people don’t follow up either so imagine the difference you will make if YOU do.
Have a successful week.
Promises are like the full moon, if they are not kept at once they diminish day by day.
German Proverb