If you’re anything like me, your head is usually spinning with lots of ideas, you have started many wonderful projects, and you feel scattered and overwhelmed at times at the prospect of finishing them all.
Because we are currently restructuring our business, I have had a lot of time to really think about how I work – what tends to happen – and how I can be more efficient and finish all of these fun projects.
Following Through
And while thinking about and talking to each other about all of this, Dan and I realized that it’s not so much the actual projects or goals that are the issue here – it’s really about keeping our word to ourselves – following through and finishing what we started. Because each time we do this, we are building up our self esteem – we are creating a habit for ourselves where in the future we will just assume that we will finish any project we start because that’s what we do. We know that we will keep our word both to ourselves and to others because we will have a proven track record of doing so.
Creating a Habit
I started this blog exactly three weeks ago with the intent to post every day. In the past, blogging was one of the many projects I wanted to start and had every intention of keeping up with but seemed to get put into the pile of unfinished projects. This time it’s different though. I really feel that I have found my niche, and I am committed to following through and keeping my word to myself. A habit is formed after three weeks of performing it regularly – so yay! I now have created a blogging habit. And a wonderful bonus is that I get to write everyday and create this wonderful community with all of you!
Holding Yourself Accountable
Many of us make resolutions each January only to give them up by February. And this can really do a number on our self esteem. We will start to question whether we are truly able to keep our word at all. When future goals come up, we will wonder if we should even commit to anything given our past track record of not following through. This can be extremely detrimental to our own well being, which is why keeping our word to ourself is so crucial.
In our Commitment Book, we created a simple system that holds each of us accountable for keeping our word. We emphasize that the goal itself isn’t as important as following through on it – it’s just an added bonus.
We suggest to start really small with your first goal – something that you know you can succeed at. That way you will be creating a habit and building yourself up to where you know you will be able to complete any goal you set for yourself in the future.
Good ideas are only that without following through and
committing to making them happen.
Create the habit one goal/project at a time, and you’ll truly be amazed at how good you feel about yourself – and imagine how much lighter you will feel when all of these unfinished projects that have been taking up space in your mind and home are completed!
What do you want to commit to today?
I am the WORST at following through! I am known for starting projects or coming up with dreams and goals and never finishing them. You gave some great advice, maybe if I follow it I will actually get things done!
– Brittany (new follower from ETB, etsy name daisical!)
I am right there with you – I definitely have been known to start projects and not finish them.
I think it's a good idea to start with something small that you know you can commit to. Then you'll feel so great about yourself, and you know you can tackle the bigger projects!
So glad you're here – I love your blog, too! 🙂
When I started my Etsy shop and the blog, I felt like I was being pulled in to many directions everyday because I was trying to do both, as well as looking after the household. Not enough hours in the day. So in my notebook I wrote a schedule, certain days I did my blog and took photos of items and other days I just made things ready for selling. Has helped keep me sane, I love my lists!
Lists are definitely great! I don't know what I would do without them! 🙂