I just read an article by my friend Linda Griffin, and it really got me thinking.

In it, Linda mentions how important it is for managers to keep their commitments. This is different from a generalized ‘keeping your word’ concept, she’s not talking about ‘lying’ here. She’s talking specifically about backing up what you say.

I realized once I read it how important this concept has been in my own life as well. I’m learning to do the things I promise myself, not just the promises I make to others. As I do, I find that my trust and peace levels increase significantly.

In fact, every time I look back on the commitments I’ve made to myself and kept, I glow a little - it’s a real confidence builder. Trusting myself means that I don’t have to worry. Once I decide to do something, I know it’s going to get done. That really didn’t use to be the case - I’ve got a life littered with unfinished projects, and I used to get annoyed almost any time I looked back and asked, “What have I really accomplished?”

Part of it for me has been letting go of unrealistic expectations, and learning to find joy in the small steps. Yes, I’d love to be a billionaire, no, I’m not where I wanted to be, BUT I’m making progress every day, as long as I keep my focus where God wants me to focus. He keeps me in line, and I trust myself to notice his direction.

As I perform small actions, and stay focused on now, I accomplish much more, and build my bank of ‘good memories I can use.’

Thanks for the thoughts, Linda!