To-do List vs. Promises and Agreements

Guest Contributor: Lorraine Cohen
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In my post last month I talked about monthly agreements and the language of each promise. I've been asked several times to make the distinction between promises and to-do lists.

Here's one way to look at the difference. When setting your sights on a goal you wish to reach in the future, you will typically lay out an action plan that includes the steps you will take to get from here to there, right? In other words, what you will do to arrive at your destination. Each step will have a result. While it might initially start out as a promise, you might find yourself slipping into creating a to-do list.

One of your goals might be to systematize your business so that you're working more efficiently. Your steps might include:

1. Evaluating current programs and continuing to upgrade where needed

2. Calling web person to revamp your website

3. Scheduling time to declutter and organizing your office

4. Ordering new office equipment

5. Updating your marketing material

6. Outsourcing work

7. Registering for a new course or training

I make this distinction because getting caught up in making lists rather than being accountable or in integrity to the promises being made will affect the value received from masterminding. The goal is not to show how busy you are doing stuff, rather to make agreements that have a built in intention that challenge you to s-t-r-e-t-c-h outside of your comfort zone (which is why you're in a mastermind group!).

The agreements you make are meant to nudge you forward and might create some discomfort so that you feeling slightly off balance. Being slightly off kilter offers opportunities to limitless possibilities that can lead to rich results. In fact, you might choose to add something in your promises that is deliberately uncomfortable with the intent of kicking things up a notch.

So be bold in challenging yourself to have what you desire. The possibilities are endless.