 Self
Development Best Practices
You Have Promises to Keep
By: B e v v Beirl
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!
B e v v Beirl is a successful businesswoman,
motivational speaker, and contributing columnist for
several Tampa Bay publications. As a life coach, she has
propelled thousands of people to their success. B e v v
is passionate about helping people realize their
personal power.
B-e-v-v@tigerlotuscorp.info or
www.your-wish-is-your-command.com.
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