How To Be Someone You Can Count On

The other day I wrote about how to be your own best friend.

One of the ways you can do this is by keeping commitments to yourself.

But how exactly is that done?

1. Choose a compelling reason.

2. start small.

3. Anticipate road blocks ahead of time. Write them out on paper if necessary and come up with solutions before they present themselves.

4. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishment when you follow though. Get curious instead of beating yourself up about it when you don't.


Let's say, for example, that you have committed to exercising 3 times a week.

What is your compelling reason for doing so? Better health? Weight loss? Is it because you are a calmer mother when you take care of your own physical health? The reason only has to be compelling to you.

Start small. Is 3 times a week realistic? Manageable? If not, shoot for 2 times a week. If you exercise more than that, sweet! As you learn that you can count on yourself, you can start setting loftier goals.

Now think of all the obstacles that might prevent you from exercising: No child care?--Find a babysitter or do it at home while the kids sleep. You don't feel like it in the moment?--Remember your compelling reason and do it anyway.

When you do follow through, give yourself a pat on the back--you did what you said you would do {fist bump}. If you failed to follow through, why not? Be curious about it and use that info to help you follow through the next time.

Before you know it you'll realize that you can rely on you.

And that's a great feeling.