Closing the Gap

There’s always this distance between where we currently are (here) and where we want to be (there).

At the beginning of 2012 many of us set out to accomplish BIG things. New Year’s Resolutions, 30 before 30 lists, vision boards you name it! They were created. There was energy and excitement around what 2012 would mean to so many of us if in December, we accomplished what we set out to do back in January.  Some of us may have made great progress, while others fell off the wagon early in the first quarter. But here’s the great news! It’s the second half baby, and it’s anyone’s game. This year can still be yours for the taking so long as you recommit to your goals, stay focused, and get really clear on why you’re going after what it is that you want. You see closing the gap gets easier and easier the more honest we are with ourselves as to why we want what’s on the other side. What’s your motivation? Why do you want it? Once you’ve answered that question (why do you want it?)…it’s up to you to be hell bent on closing the gap.

Remember, there is always something you can do today, that will move you closer towards your end goal. You just have to take action.

Do What You Say You’re Going to Do

Seth Godin calls it “shipping.” Couples call it “commitment.” Friends call it “trust.” Either way…when you do what you say you’re going to do life just feels better.

Is this something I need to work on? Absolutely!

In the past I didn’t really focus on keeping up with my commitments because while I was overextended, believe it or not, I still had the bandwidth to do what I needed to do, and do it very well.  These days, I’ve been working a ton on my passion project…you know, the work that makes me come alive. The work that I can get lost in for hours, and I’m not even getting paid to do. My calling. While this is great…the time I use on my passion project spills over into the time I have allocated for other things; and as a result,  I’ve found myself slipping.

So…to counteract this, I’ve had to whip out the “P” word. PROMISE. I have a handful of people over the last 60 days in all areas of my life that I told I would do something and I haven’t gotten to it yet. Surprisingly, they are not mad. They know what I’ve been doing in my spare time and are so understanding. However, I know that long-term success comes from doing what I say I’m going to do. Shipping the project, keeping that commitment, and honoring the trust that I have worked hard to earn over the years. So if it takes using the “P” word to course correct…I’m game. All the while realizing that in the grand scheme of things this is not a game. My word is my bond and at the end of the day…those words say a lot about my personal integrity. I want to remain whole and it will start and end with honoring my commitments. It really is that simple.

Are you doing what you’re saying your going to do?