Keeping promises to yourself leads to “Yes, I can!”
How often do you make an appointment with yourself only to break it? Oh, you know, “I’m going to get up at 5:30am to go for a run.” The next morning the alarm goes off and what happens? Snooze button.
All too often we let ourselves down. We keep our business appointments, our doctor appointments and a million other commitments all day long. And yet, when it comes to keeping promises to ourselves, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves, and we come up with all kinds of excuses to justify it.
It happened to me earlier in the week.
I awakened with a headache and cranky from a poor night’s sleep. I got out of bed, plopped myself on the sofa and started to talk myself out of my sunrise meditation practice. “No, I’m choosing not to do it. I’m too tired. I had a bad night’s sleep. I won’t be able to concentrate. All I want to do is have a cup of tea and lay on the sofa in peace.”
So here’s the thing: When we let ourselves down there’s a little voice that whispers, “You failed.” This sets a negative tone for every single thing that follows. “I’m a failure” shrouds the events of the day. It’s like an insidious little worm, “I’m a failure” attaching itself without conscious awareness of it’s genesis.
The great news is that the converse is also true. Keeping promises we make to ourselves sets us up for success. “Yes, I can” becomes the underlying mantra. Every action becomes easier and every task takes less effort. And when a setback does happen, it is much easier to rebound. “Yes, I can” becomes the unconscious mantra underlying continued positive action.
Either way, every single day we create a positive or negative ripple effect that follows us throughout the day. And the best part is … this is one area where you have complete control. Only you control your actions. The choice is entirely yours … do or don’t do. It’s in your hands.
That morning as I sat on my sofa I listened to the real wake-up call, “Whaaaa? You’re going to break your appointment with yourself? Go outside on the deck right now and meditate — even if it’s only for 10 minutes. And then stretch — even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Do it now.”
Within 30 minutes my headache was gone, my mood lifted, and I enjoyed my tea thinking, “This is a prime example of why keeping promises to ourselves and honoring our commitments is so important.”
So every single time you start to make excuses think to yourself, “No! I choose me. I choose to set myself up for success. I choose a positive ripple effect.”
Choose You.
Beyond keeping promises … Do you get taken hostage by the first bad encounter of the day? This will help: You Step On Dog Poop. Now What?
No more snooze button for me! It took a few months to retrain my body clock but this recovering night owl gets up between 5-5:30AM, even on weekends. Why? To practice yoga and to write. I used to lie to myself saying “I’d write my book when I got home from work.” Truth is, I never did. The morning is for me and what’s most important to me. As a yoga teacher it was mui importante that I walk my walk. My home yoga practice is for me first and then my students. I teach what I practice.
Wow! Good for you Peggy! And what a testament to the power of committing to an early morning ritual. Thank you for sharing your wise-ness with us. xo
Great point. I expected this post to be about others, but yes – we do need to honor commitments to ourselves. Starting the day off by accomplishing something does set a positive tone for the day!
So true, Shanon, we usually think about our promises to others first. 🙂 And, starting the day with accomplishment is powerful indeed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. xo
So true!!! I love the idea of turning “you failed” self-talk into “Yes, I can!” Great advice! – @GoddessKerriLyn
Thank you, Kerri Lyn, for taking the time to read and respond to my post! I’m glad you enjoyed it. xo
Beautiful article. Thank you for this powerful reminder Melissa! Commitment to self really does set us up for success in every area of life. xo
Thank you, Pamela, for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. xo
Funny how each positive step makes it easier to take another. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, one foot in front of the other! Thank you for commenting, Andrea.
Very true, Melissa, how that one little thought can affect the whole day. Keeping commitments to self certainly is given less importance in society, but wonderful pieces like this can hopefully bring about a shift. ^^
Thank you for the lovely comment, Keyra. I too hope we can shed a little light! Happy day to you! xo
What a helpful reframe! Although I do need to keep balance — my tendency is to Yes I can! myself into exhaustion. For example with this search for the next right place to live and work. I don’t have to do it all at once. I can do an intentional bit of it regularly and trust that I will get where I need to be at the just-right moment.
Blessings and gratitude,
Sue
Sue, what a great point! We certainly don’t want to “Yes I can” into exhaustion. “I can do an intentional bit of it regularly and trust that I will get where I need to be at the just-right moment.” Love that! xo
Important post for me today, Melissa! I recognize that my lack of follow through on the things I say I am going to do reaffirms my conditioned self, which is really quick to call me unworthy and hold me back. I am working hard on being true to me. I want to radiate a high level of personal integrity.
Kailean, you are “onto” yourself! How wonderful! Awareness is an important component. I always find that when I start small, something that I can certainly commit to, I gain confidence. Then, I expand and expand and expand and before I know it I’ve created big change. You’ve got this! xo