How to Keep Promises to Yourself
Ever notice that our promises to ourselves are often the first ones we drop? Lately, I have been learning about keeping my promise to myself to exercise. It took me 7 months to get into a rhythm! I had to find ways to stay on track when everything from boredom, to pain, to fatigue and guilt, showed up.
When we decide to make a promise to ourselves, everything else can seem more important or even more interesting. Maybe the guilt monster takes over! Unfortunately, it can be so tempting to get stuck in a pattern of dropping our needs – it becomes easier to just give up over time. Learn how to keep your important promises to yourself. Below are a few simple questions to help you. We often make promises lightly, not really taking the time to reflect on why we are doing this and how we will deal with the challenges as they come up. Do this alone, or with a friend/partner and you have a built in support team!
- What is a promise that you want to make to yourself? (make sure it’s doable, and something you actually want, not just a “should”)
- Why is this important to you?
- What are you hoping will be different as a result of making this promise?
- What sacrifice are you willing to make to keep this promise?
- When the times comes, and keeping the promise will be a challenge, how will you keep it? Who or what will help you?
- How will you celebrate or notice the changes you make?
These questions are inspired by Haesun Moon of the Centre for Brief Coaching