Over time, I’ve come to realize that one thing that is essential to achieving success is following through. This is something I’ve seen play out time and time again in both my personal and professional lives. Following through can mean many different things across many different situations but in general, I take it to mean –
Responding to a particular situation in a manner that shows an honest and genuine care for the feelings and interests of others in the context of what has been previously discussed or promised or is anticipated.
Yes, it’s kind of a mouthful but it feels pretty accurate to me. Just think about it. Is there anything worse than when someone you’re working with tells you they will follow-up with you by the end of the day on something and they never do?
Professional
It’s clear to see how this is important in the professional world. The people that I have worked with that have been able to sustain success, regardless of the positions they are put in, are those that always follow through. They not only follow through with what they say they’re going to but also do so proactively when they know it is appropriate to earn and maintain trust with their colleagues or clients.
It sounds very straightforward, but for some reason many people either don’t get it or are just too lazy to do it. When you tell someone you’ll get back to them by the end of the day with an answer to their question, get back to them by the end of the day. You may not have the answer to their question…but get back to them. It will no doubt be appreciated and will set you apart from the majority that don’t.
Personal
The same principles apply on the home front. Whether you’re dealing with your spouse, kids, extended family or friends, focus on being true to your word. Just as you promised your colleague you’d follow-up with them to provide an answer to their question, follow-up with your kid that you promised to go outside and play with. Not following through with “little” promises because you’re too busy may seem like nothing but over time you’ll earn yourself an unspoken reputation.
With kids it is likely to take time to see the true effects of consistently not following through, but with a spouse or family member the effects are sure to be there much faster. Try telling your spouse you’ll take care of something by tomorrow and then don’t. Keep to that pattern and it probably isn’t going to go well for your relationship. The people close to you in your life need you, and trust you, to follow through with the things you say you’re going to. The strongest relationships are built on trust and following through will help establish that trust.
To Sum it Up
The whole idea is a bit common sense and a bit fine art. The more you make a conscious effort to follow through with the things you say you’re going to, the more you’ll get a feel for what is necessary and when. Over time, this will build trust in your personal and professional lives, and be another tool that will hopefully lead to success in your life.