Undoubtedly you’ve noticed different phases in your life. Some phases last years like when you’re raising children. Others may only last a few months, for example, if you’re relocating or let’s say a family member gets sick.
Many of those stages are filled with lists of things to do, tasks to complete, and duties to perform. Sometimes, you may feel as though you can’t possibly do it all!
And then you read self-help books and blog posts that encourage you to take care of yourself, first and foremost. Of course, this isn’t hard when you have free time. But how can you be true to you when life feels so overwhelming?
Regardless of what your commitment is, recognize that you deserve the time necessary to follow through.
When you make a promise to yourself, consider the following:
- Taking care of yourself helps you take care of others. Realize that, to take good care of others and to be there for friends and family, you need to keep those commitments to yourself first. You can be of the most good to others if you feel fulfilled in your own life.
- When you don’t do what’s important to you, you might even experience feelings of resentment toward others. After all, they’re getting all of your precious time and energy, and you’re getting none.
- Refrain from “spreading yourself too thin” in life: keep your commitments to yourself among your highest priorities.
- Acknowledge that keeping commitments to yourself is very important to you. Because we’re each individuals, we have our own ideas about what’s special, needed or necessary in our lives.
- Because you’re human, you have a perfect right to want something. And you’re worth whatever time and effort it takes to fulfill that promise to yourself.
- Remind yourself that you deserve to experience and enjoy the results of your personal commitments.
- Review the reasons you made the commitment in the first place.Some reasons you may have initially made this promise to yourself may be: to improve your health, have a more pleasant attitude, feel more contented about life, or just because you want to do it. Remember that it’s okay, and even important, to do some things just because you want to!
- Whatever your reasons, take the time to review them regularly. If you have a tendency to forget, then put a post-it note on your bathroom mirror or put a reminder on your phone. This way, you’ll be doubly motivated to keep your commitment to yourself.
- Reflect on the steps necessary to keep your personal promise.Think of all the strategies you can use to ensure you stay on the path to accomplishing your goal. For example:
- Place a note on your bathroom mirror or on the coffee pot to remind you of your commitment.
- Every week in your calendar or journal, write down the progress you made that week in terms of keeping your commitment.
- Celebrate your efforts with a “good job” or a gold star sticker placed in the margins of your diary.
- Share your commitment. Discuss your wish to commit to something with your partner, a close friend, or a family member. Talking about what’s important to you with those you cherish makes your commitment real and attainable.
- Plus, you’ll hopefully get plenty of encouragement and support from your loved one in your efforts to accomplish whatever it is that you seek to do.
- You might even ask your spouse or friend to ask you about your commitment weekly or once in a while to help you stay on track.
With a little effort and intention, you can keep your commitments to yourself. Fulfill your promises to yourself by using these strategies and your passion for life will blossom!
