From the course: Time Management Tips

Follow through on your commitments

From the course: Time Management Tips

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Follow through on your commitments

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- There are many rules of thumb when it comes to being successful. But I think that the first, most important rule, and probably the simplest, is this, do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it. Now it's very easy for any of us to promise that we're going to get something done and that we're going to get it done by a certain date. But the real challenge, is following through on that promise and keeping it consistently. How can you be more consistent at doing what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it? Here are six tips to help you stay on track. First of all, always have your calendar. Make that calendar your best friend. Keep it with you at all times. And before you make a commitment to anything, look at it. Look at how much time you have available. That will help you do a better job of estimating what is actually realistic for you to accomplish. Second, when making the commitment, have a conversation with the other person and verify it. Ask questions like, when is the latest I can get this to you? Or, will it work if I get it to you by such-and-so date? By getting an agreement up front, it will help you be more clear about what their expectation is, and make you more committed to it. Third, once you've made that agreement with the other person schedule time in your calendar to work on it. This will set you up for success for all the other commitments you have. And it will also help you know in advance how long something's going to take. I recommend you overestimate how long things are going to take. Most people are really bad estimators. So instead, give yourself an extra 50%. Maybe even 100%. If you think it's gonna take an hour, schedule two hours to work on it. And protect that time. When you are tempted to schedule something else on top of it or double schedule, don't do it. When you're tempted to put lots of other things close around it, not leave any breathing room, don't do it. Leave some space to protect that time to make sure you keep your commitment. Number five is pretty straightforward. Do it. When the time arrives, follow through, and keep that commitment you made to yourself and the other person. And sixth, once you've worked on it or completed that item for the other person, report back to them. Let them know that you did it, which saves them the time or the worry of having to follow up with you. As you follow this system and become more consistent in keeping your commitments, you'll build trust with other people. You'll also feel more confident in knowing that you do what you say you're going to do. This rule applies in any aspect of your life.

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