You know how there are times when you see something over and over and start to wonder, “Should I be paying attention to this?” Well, that is what has been happening to me with the messaging around “honor your commitments to yourself.” You are probably thinking, “well duh,” but I had to remind myself again, that honoring your commitments is essential for entrepreneurs
Honoring your commitments is essential for entrepreneurs
This is not to say it is more or less important for others. Rather, it just can not be forgotten as an entrepreneur or there can be dire consequences.
I have heard this message before and to be honest, struggle to uphold this way of life. Recently, I was seeing the message repeatedly and had to wonder, why? First, while reading a book, the topic came up. Then a day later, I was meeting with an accountability partner and she mentioned that she was focusing on it. Ok weird! But I truly stopped in my tracks as I was listening to my business coach and that was the topic of the lessons.
I started to wonder why this message was occurring so regularly and what was the underlying lesson I needed to take from it. Call me weird, but I am a believer that you get the signs and signals you need to hear most. And this message was coming through loud and clear.
As I have sat with it for a couple of weeks, I realize that I continually dream and ideate about taking my business to the next level. I recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to up-level and growing a business. Yet, I also acknowledge that I am not putting forth the effort it would take to get me to where I want to go. Hence the message!
Then came the calendar
So, the adage, if it is not on the calendar, it won’t happen. While that might be true, there is also the reality that even if it is on your calendar, it might not happen. Here is how it typically goes for me, I sit down with my calendar and fill in ALL the timeslots with “what I should be doing.” Things like, batching Facebook posts, writing blogs for the month, or making sales calls.
The trouble is honoring those commitments once they are on the calendar. I over-schedule myself, leaving no flexibility. Looking at my calendar, I gloss over to the tasks scheduled, as if they are not there. The minute I am asked to do something for someone else, I slot them in wherever even if I have myself scheduled with something else. Hence the up-leveling tasks never get done.
Honoring my commitments to others, more than to myself.
I’d tout that I am adaptable, spontaneous, and flexible. Personality traits I love, but my business suffers because of them. Yet, it doesn’t need to be either-or. One can honor their commitments, while also allowing flexibility during set times.
I have evaluated how badly, I want to up-level my business. As a result, I acknowledge that consistency in my schedule and devotion to my calendar is needed to reach my goals. Yet, I have openings in my calendar that allow flexibility, without guilt or shame.
This is a growth area that I must work on daily. While I still get distracted easily, I have a new level of appreciation for my calendar. A visible tool for upholding my commitments to myself, my dreams, and my business. As a solopreneur, it is essential to keep me accountable and honor my commitments.
Need help evaluating your calendar, determining what activities support your next growth moment or your big dreams? Let’s chat
P.S. Want more? Read Jessica’s Journal or watch Saturday Sessions