Follow Through

A lot of our internal tension arises in life due to unresolved conflicts, unfinished projects, untapped potential, and lingering tasks.

We may walk away from a moment where we thoughtlessly reacted, said something we wished we wouldn’t have said, and thus, hold onto tension for how it is we left the relationship, friendship, or that brief interaction.

Or perhaps we started a project that we announced to the world we’d complete, but after years of stagnancy, we unconsciously feel embarrassed to show our face in certain environments.

Maybe we were once the ones with the “potential,” but after years of perceived defeat, the wonder if we’ll ever fulfill it leaves us in a complacent state; where not only do our dreams linger, but that of everyday tasks do too.

An incompleteness or lingering in itself isn’t always a “bad” thing, nor will it always initiate an internal tension or angst. There are undoubtedly times where walking away from certain things may be best for our internal peace. However, in most occurrences, our lack of follow through isn’t by design, it’s by default. We choose to leave things just as they are because we don’t perceive we have the strength, resources, or capability to proceed.

This story, though, is often not rooted in fact, but in fiction. And we know it.

So that fiction-based story, attached to limiting beliefs, deters and discourages us; ultimately leaving us in that frustrated state.

Considering such, the challenge this week is to identify one or two areas in your life where you once said you’d follow through, and re-commit yourself to doing so.

The challenge: follow through!

As you’re thinking about things you have not followed through on in the past, the goal is to choose ones that are attainable this week. In other words, you may identify some significant items like finishing a certification program or finalizing college courses. And while this will be beneficial for you to reflect on and commit to following through, for purposes of this one week span, it won’t be completable in the time frame.

That said, find items that will be.

For instance, did you begin putting together a piece of furniture in your home a few months ago, only to see it uncompleted and sitting idly every time you pull into your garage?

Or, did you begin painting a room in your house in preparation for a re-design, but amid the daily life tasks, have now left that room untouched and unoccupied?

Or maybe you received a message from a friend you hadn’t heard from in a while, and initially responded by saying you’d follow up, but now months later feel embarrassed for not having done so.

What you choose to commit to following through on isn’t what’s relevant. What is relevant is actually following through.

Because no matter how small or insignificant you perceive the “follow through” may be, the act of doing so will help you build momentum.

It will deepen belief in self, diminish internal angst, and allow you to be reminded of a profound truth; that is: you are stronger than you think!

This week, promise yourself that you’ll commit to following through. In addition to retrieving 1-2 items from your past that you’ll follow through on, be sure to follow through on tasks that come up in real time as well. Take your car in to be evaluated for the light that’s on. Call the doctor to set your appointment. Fold your laundry. Finish the dishes. Send the e-mail. Have the conversation.

The more you follow through, the happier you’ll be. And you deserve happiness now and always.

Have a great week of following through!