Commitment. Do it or Don’t Do it.

When it comes to commitment, you have to own it. Do it. Don’t do it. You have to be honest with yourself and make a choice. Got a babysitting job? Asked to paint someone’s fence? Maybe you got your very first writing job. Told someone you would pick up a carton of milk. Whatever you said you would do, you have to follow through, and if you can’t, be honest, speak up and say so.

Why?

Because you were asked to do something and you said you would.

If you can honour your commitment, let the person know when you are able to deliver. Take a look at your calendar (if you don’t have one – get one. Digital or paper. Take your pick) and make that appointment with yourself to be available to deliver. Check out @timeofdaycalendar and @order.out.of.chaos for calendars and organizational tools to help keep you organized.

What if you can’t do it? What if something got in the way. You got sick. Your brother got sick. Your cat got sick. Maybe you had a bad reaction to the chicken you ate for dinner last night.
These are all valid excuses, that can be seen as a type of “wind” that can throw you off of your original intentions.

If you can’t do honour your commitment, don’t do it. If this is the case, you have to notify the person that you committed to and explain why. You have to own your decision. And that’s totally ok.

What’s the big deal?

That person who asked you to do something is waiting around. Hoping and praying that you will show up. And if you don’t show up? Total time waster.

If you tell the truth and let the person know that you can’t deliver what you promised, you are allowing this person to ask someone else to get the job done. This is the point of all this. They have this job and they want it done. Can you do it? Great! No? Great too – just say so. Own it.

What happens if you have fallen. The “wind” has gotten the best of you and your deadline passes. Guess what? You still have time to make amends. All you have to do is write a letter (email, text, or on a piece of paper – it doesn’t matter) or pick up the phone. And write or say the words “I’m sorry. I can’t do this because….” And all will be well.

Doesn’t that make sense?

It’s not rocket science.