Why I fearlessly Commit

JUMPING IN WITH BOTH FEET

When I’m working with potential clients, partners, or channel partners, if it sounds like a good arrangement, I am not afraid to enthusiastically tell them I’m ready to jump in with both feet.

Most people are surprised to hear such an unabashed commitment. And it’s no wonder. In a culture where we have to consult our schedules and our partners and hold out for the best possible option that may or may not come at the last possible moment, it is pretty rare that anyone commits to anything.

Take for instance, these hockey ticket I have in my pocket right now. Four tickets, in a box, hockey game, tonight. I’ve asked a few friends and colleagues to go, and by the responses, one might think it was a marriage proposal.

THINKING BIG HELPS ME BE SPONTANEOUS

When you’ve taken the time to “think big” and do your long range planning, it is much easier to see the processes and steps that are necessary to get you to your goal. It’s also easier to see which steps WON’T get you to your goal.

Because of this clearer understanding of my end goal and my path, when an opportunity comes up that appears to be inline with my progress, I am ready to commit wholeheartedly.

My follow up response is something I learned from my grandmother, which is something she learned from Winnie-The-Pooh:

If you want to visit someone, it’s great to just pop in. If it’s not a convenient time, then you just pop back out.

This also applies to my business. When an opportunity to partner comes along, I jump in with both feet. If it works, then I’ve taken the fullest advantage. If it doesn’t work, I simply “pop back out” and have a clearer understanding of what does and doesn’t work for my goals.

When I find that a commitment isn’t working, I am honest with the partner about why. Sometimes we can adjust the commitment to work, and other times we part as friends. Most people aren’t upset if you tell them honestly what’s not working, and will appreciate your forthrightness.

Rules for being like Pooh:

1) KNOW YOUR GOAL; KNOW YOUR PATH

2) FEARLESSLY COMMIT

3) BE HONEST ABOUT WHEN IT’S NOT WORKING