Following through on your word affects your reputation, dependability and accomplishments.

You promised that you’d e-mail that file two days ago. You didn’t. Then you get an e-mail asking where it is. Do you place blame on someone else or feel a twinge of guilt, make a brief apology, send it off and quickly forget about it? Chances are, the receiver may not forget so quickly. You become known as someone who does not follow through, thereby affecting your reputation.

Making an appointment and not showing up or calling to postpone or cancel affects your dependability. The next time, people won’t expect so much from you.

Here’s an example of practicing with the little things: putting a liner in the can after you empty the garbage. It’s simple, really. Don’t let anything distract you from your goal of getting a new bag in along the way. If someone starts talking to you or you see something else that grabs your attention, make a mental note of it, but stay focused on following through on your mission. Walk straight to the cabinet and grab the bag and just do it now.
Yes, a garbage bag is a small example and something so simple, yet when you don’t replace the liner right away, sometimes you end up cleaning coffee grinds or eggshells from the bottom of the can because you forgot there was no bag in there!

Practicing with the little things carries over into the bigger things - like life and death confrontations.

Instead of hitting “at” your target, hit “through” your target. Following through on techniques maximizes your impact. You will accomplish more the first time around. An assailant may not give you a second chance to follow through on the second hit.

Following through takes focus. Finish what you started and get in the habit of following through on what matters in your life. Ideas require action; goals need work to come to fruition. You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you follow through. It’s easy to practice with the little things and the payoff can be ENORMOUS.

But seriously, isn’t there a file you need to send? Or an enemy you’ve forgotten about?