Want to know the quickest way to get on my good side? It’s not exactly hard, but very few people are willing to do it. It’s to make your yes be yes, and your no be no.
That means, if you agree to do something, you follow through. You don’t make excuses, you just do it.
I’m so grateful I worked with folks like that who help me write and edit Sunday| Magazine. To be honest, I’d probably understand if some of the people on my writing team had to bail out occasionally because they get too busy. Some of them are in high demand. But I can think of a few solid people right now who always do what they said they would do, even when I know their lives are filled with chaos.
In the past, though, I’ve had some writers ask for the chance to write for the magazine, but never follow through on their assignment. The excuses always come up:
- I’m moving into a new house.
- I got a new job.
- My dog got sick.
And those excuses, to the ones making them, seem like legitimate reasons to get out of your commitment. The problem is, there are people with much more traumatic life experiences who are still following through on what they agreed to do.
I give grace. I let them out of their commitment. But I’m far less likely to ask them to write again. And when it comes to an opportunity I can offer where I need to know I can count on someone, I’ll never ask the people who gave me the excuses.
I wonder how many opportunities those people have missed out on simply because they make excuses instead of following through on their commitments.
I’m learning that’s the type of person I want to be—one who honors my commitments. I know I’ve seen some pretty cool opportunities come my way because of it. And I know more are headed my way as I stay faithful and dependable.
But how about you? Are you the type of follows through on your word no matter what?
Phew! Glad I got that article turned in on time… 😛
Haha. I knew when this posted everyone would think I was talking about them. I’m not. I’m not that passive aggressive. 😉