Do What You Said You Would Do.

Sounds simple. Not so much because we now have an acronym to remind us. Okay, so the acronym is not new. Neither is the concept. So why is it so hard?

Because we over-promise and under-deliver. I’ve struggled with over-promising throughout my life, and I’m constantly thinking…

What did I commit to do?

Do I have the necessary time to give to that commitment?

And because I often say “yes” when I really should say “no,” I overcommit myself. Still – I want to keep my word. I want to do what I said I would do. Or else I feel guilty. Perhaps you’re the same way. So many interests, not enough time. Willing to help anyone and everyone while overlooking yourself. Unable to say no without feeling like a loser.

I’m still working on under-promising and over-delivering as well as keeping my priorities my priorities. Whenever I think about a goal or a deadline, once the original number pops in my head, I usually half it (let’s say for a specific number of deliverables) or double it (for example, number of weeks needed until a deadline). It’s helped me tremendously, and I’ve found that sometimes those adjusted numbers are still unrealistic and need adjusting. I’ve also had to become comfortable with not being involved in everything. I can’t have business dinners once a week and exercise and care for my family and work and mentally prepare for the next day and…I am confident you know exactly what I’m talking about. So, in order to keep my priorities prioritized, I say no to many things – most of which are really great opportunities, and I guard my time. Yes, guard. It’s amazing how quickly your time can be taken if you let it. I guard my time for my children, for my husband, and for me. I guard my time because I want to DWISIWD – be the best me so I can be the best wife, mother, friend, colleague, supervisor, volunteer.

Do What You Said You Would Do. What a simple enigma.