Commit to Follow Through
Make the decision a reality.
Decision Focus 09 - Commitment to Follow Through
Commitment to follow through means we are set to execute our decision and can do so purposefully.
If we are only halfhearted about our commitment, our follow-through is less intense and may not achieve the best results.
Commitment to follow through means we are set to execute our decision and can do so purposefully. If we are only halfhearted about our commitment, our follow- through is usually less intense and may not achieve the best results.
Committing to follow-through is like pulling an internal switch—after the switch is on, we do whatever it takes to make our decision real. When we shift from considering a decision to being in the state of commitment, we are clear and can proceed without reservation, conscious of potential consequences.
Successful follow-through requires resources such as time, effort, money, or help from others. It also requires being prepared to overcome obstacles.
How to Commit to Follow Through
Ask yourself
- Am I ready to act?
- Will I do this?
- Do I have the necessary means to follow through?
Ask your head
- What could stop me from following through?
- Am I prepared for the consequences and for doing what it takes to carry through on the decision?
Ask your heart
- What fears do I have that prevent me from making my decision real?
- Have I accepted the potential consequences that go along with acting/choosing?
- Am I ready for the internal shift from considering the decision to the state of making it happen?
- Will others support or hinder me in executing the decision? Am I prepared to deal with this?
Tools and good practice
- Quality decision process to create the right conditions for follow through
- Alignment with others whose help I need to achieve commitment
- Action or implementation plan
- Progress measurement (e.g., milestones)
Traps to avoid
- Making a “mental commitment,” but separately deciding not to really put forth the necessary effort to follow through
- Not dealing with obstacles that get in the way
- Procrastination
- Halfhearted commitment