(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
Having a lot of to-do’s can feel burdensome, maybe even overwhelming at times. One reason is because there may be something extra added to the to-do. A to-do is simply a task you have decided to handle at some point in time. Think of each item on your to-do list as a place-holder, a reminder. You use the list each day or so to choose where you will focus your attention and energy to accomplish what is most important to you.
A commitment is different. When you make a commitment — to yourself or others — you are giving your word, making a pledge. That feels quite a bit different than having a place-holder on a to-do list, doesn’t it?
The rub comes when you don’t get this distinction and feel that every item you add to your to-do list is a commitment. It’s not. Most successful people are very careful with their commitments, making only the ones they know they can keep.
Your to-do list may be long, but your commitment list will be short.
Coaching Point: When will you go through your to-do list to identify and list separately your commitments? ……..
…..Is that a commitment you just made or a to-do?
Copyright 2007 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.