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James Hayden · 06-16-2008, 08:06 PM

I'm looking for ways to make sure I always do what I say I am going to do.

I find myself promising to do things for people without really thinking about it, and then I usually forget about it until it's too late.

I thought simply writing down things as soon as I promise to do them would be effective, but it's not always possible to write things down, and if I don't write it down immediately I forget to do it later. Even when I write things down, I only follow though half the time, because I also have to be sure to read what I've written before it's too late to follow though.

Another possibility is that I just don't want to do the things I've promised, but even if that were the case, it doesn't exempt me from being good to my word. I've forgotten to do things which were vitally important to myself, as well as fun and exciting, so I don't know to what degree desire factors into this.

I'm don't want to avoid the consequences of my actions. Even if I wanted to, I can't think of a real excuse other than, "I completely forgot". This happens at least once a month or more. I usually handle the situation by kicking myself on the inside. I don't lie or make excuses, but I will apologize so the person doesn't think I did it to hurt them intentionally.

I'm writing this from a lowered emotional state, and I'm sure it comes through, so I apologize for slinging this crap around. I get so disgusted with myself right after it happens, and that is the only time I feel compelled enough to try and change my behavior.

If I am not mistaken, that is similar to how an addiction works?

Is it possible that I am addicted to feeling bad about myself, and forgetting to follow though on my promises is a subconscious routine that I run because I know I can make myself feel really bad about it?

Well, if it is an addiction, then the first step to recovery is recognizing the addiction and admitting it is there.

06-16-2008, 08:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
James Hayden Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 21	Following through on Promises I'm looking for ways to make sure I always do what I say I am going to do. I find myself promising to do things for people without really thinking about it, and then I usually forget about it until it's too late. I thought simply writing down things as soon as I promise to do them would be effective, but it's not always possible to write things down, and if I don't write it down immediately I forget to do it later. Even when I write things down, I only follow though half the time, because I also have to be sure to read what I've written before it's too late to follow though. Another possibility is that I just don't want to do the things I've promised, but even if that were the case, it doesn't exempt me from being good to my word. I've forgotten to do things which were vitally important to myself, as well as fun and exciting, so I don't know to what degree desire factors into this. I'm don't want to avoid the consequences of my actions. Even if I wanted to, I can't think of a real excuse other than, "I completely forgot". This happens at least once a month or more. I usually handle the situation by kicking myself on the inside. I don't lie or make excuses, but I will apologize so the person doesn't think I did it to hurt them intentionally. I'm writing this from a lowered emotional state, and I'm sure it comes through, so I apologize for slinging this crap around. I get so disgusted with myself right after it happens, and that is the only time I feel compelled enough to try and change my behavior. If I am not mistaken, that is similar to how an addiction works? Is it possible that I am addicted to feeling bad about myself, and forgetting to follow though on my promises is a subconscious routine that I run because I know I can make myself feel really bad about it? Well, if it is an addiction, then the first step to recovery is recognizing the addiction and admitting it is there.