Do What You Say You're Going To Do
This is not a Nike ad but the message is super clear, just do what you say you are going to do. Sadly the bar for people is really low and all you have to do to clear it is just do the actions that you say you are going to do or go down trying.
I’m abhorred by how many people say they’re going to do something for someone else and then never do it. Whether it’s as simple as following up with an email, making an introduction between two people or something a bit more energy intensive of a favor for someone else…I get it, you’re busy - everyones’ busy and we can’t keep 100% of the commitments we make but at some point stop saying you’re going to do something if you can’t uphold your end of the bargain. The patterns of your actions tell the truth. It’s like when you stop people on the street in New York City and you do the “we should get a drink sometime” but then you never follow through…enough with pleasantries, stop saying it then!
As you might be able to tell I’m somewhat writing out of frustration from some recent events but it’s the little things that bother me the most. When a customer says they’re going to do something and then they intentionally don’t. When a colleague says they will have something by the end of the week and they don’t deliver. A heads up, a note, a quick text that timelines have changed - that’s all it takes - but blatant ignorance I won’t tolerate. Your word is everything, so respect it as such.
When you say you will do it by tonight - I expect tonight.
When you say it will get done this week - I expect it’s done by the end of the week.
All you have to do is say you’re going to do something and actually do it. Leave yourself reminders, write it on your hands, I don’t care but if you say you’re going to do it, then do it.
It’s really not that hard but what separates the good ones from the rest are those that say they’re going to do something and then they follow through. If you’re not going to do something, then don’t say you will. Simple.
I feel like Shai Lebouf got the messaging right - DO IT.