Business Magazine | BABM | Self Development

How well do you keep your promises? Are you good at following through? How many times have you started over in a career, fitness plan, or relationship? Are these questions making you squirm a little?

Many people go through life as dabblers. They’re always trying something new or moving from one job, career or relationship to the next. It’s not uncommon for people to choose their vocation based on family or peer pressure, only to realize they hate what they’re doing. They may also choose the career based on potential income and financial security. After climbing several rungs of the success ladder, they realize the ladder is against the wrong wall, so they move on to the next ladder.

If you’re unsure of what you want, this dabbling may be the best place for you at this time in your life. Just remember, as long as you are dabbling, the feeling of satisfaction will evade you. And if you are making promises to yourself about making a change and not following through, you are seriously chipping away at your self-respect.

In order for one to follow through or keep his promise regarding a new endeavor, there must be value or a payoff of some kind. The challenge is that most worthwhile aspirations take time before the value or payout is realized.

We live in a fast-paced society and each generation seems to be less and less tolerant of delayed rewards. Immediate gratification is the order of the day, whether it’s money, weight loss, health or happiness. Drugs work faster, surgeries cut away fat, credit cards give us access to immediate happiness and there are a thousand games out there that promise big money right now.

To illustrate the steps of becoming a promise keeper, we’re going to look at an issue probably 90% of you will find familiar: the diet and exercise declaration!

Step 1: Specifically define your desired outcome. Visualize what you look like. What are your weight, size of dress or pant, and measurements? Have you changed your hairstyle? Do you have more energy? How do you feel when you look in the mirror? What kind of comments are you receiving from friends and family? Has your self-confidence increased and is it having a positive affect in your career?

Step 2: Define your progress milestones. If your desired weight loss is a total of 20 pounds, set your milestones at 5 pound increments. It’s important to break Down the desired outcome into smaller steps so that we feel like winners throughout the entire process.

Step 3: Reward yourself when you have reached each milestone. Each time you lose 5 pounds, reward yourself with something of value. The reward should be something you would normally deny yourself, maybe a massage or a golf lesson to improve your swing, but absolutely nothing edible.

Step 4: Identify the behaviors you will need to change or alter. Do you always go straight to the kitchen and open the refrigerator when you come home? Do you eat while you’re in the car? Do you eat standing up?

Step 5: Identify new behaviors that will support your desire. Feed your spirit and soul while driving with motivational tapes or CDs. Drink your water from a crystal glass with a lemon or lime twist. Place your fork on the table after every two bites of food.

Step 6: Ask someone to be an accountability partner. Ask someone you know to check in with you every 7 days. The person should be willing to remind you of your commitment.

Step 7: Begin and end each day visualizing your desired outcome.

Keeping in mind these 7 steps will help you with whatever promises you have made. As you begin to systematically approach each new promise, you will find it becomes easier and easier to be, do and have everything in life that you truly desire. I promise!

You Have Promises to Keep