Let’s end the frustration. When facing a big project or pesky tasks with or without a deadline looming, try this. Find a calendar buddy. What’s a calendar buddy? That’s someone who will allow you to share their calendar for accountability. When you are accountable to someone else, you are more likely to view the assignment more earnestly.
I encourage my clients who are struggling to cart away their discard items to schedule dates on their calendars. Pencil in upcoming household hazardous waste (HHW), E-waste, and shred events. Load filled donation boxes into their cars so the next time they pass their favorite charity store, they can drop off the goods. But what happens when intentions are bonafide, but follow-through is problematic?
When commitments are made to straighten up closets, garage, or pantry but they concede uncertainty about their ability to complete the assignment, I suggest adding the task to my E-calendar. I am impressed by the success as this process sets up a new level of accountability. In exchange for posting on my calendar, I let them know that I will be treating this as if it is a “REAL” billable appointment. There is the expectation that they will be present, and that I am depending upon them. As they do not wish to let me down (or themselves), they have been diligent about completing their assignments.
There have been cases where extenuating circumstances have arisen, and we have rescheduled. Those situations have been rare, and they have had the forethought to inform me that changes were necessary. This warms my heart because it means they are not just blowing it off. To keep them on track, my calendar sends auto-reminders to them. The first goes out at the time the appointment is set to let them know it’s official and the cost of my time if they were billed. Another is sent a week before the due date, then 24 hours ahead, and then on the due date as a final “you’ve got this.” We all need reminders, some of us need more than others. Sometimes they beat the calendar and send me excited messages letting me know that they are celebrating a big win and a sigh of relief.