Oh, This is the Start of Something Good

Following through. One of my biggest pet peeves when not carried out and it can definitely hold an impression of someone when it's something big.

In all fairness, I have been known to not follow through on certain things. For example, I told myself that I was going to bring cookies that NEED to get out of my house to the luncheon at work yesterday and instead left the house without them and hated myself because I ate them all at home later...

That was probably a poor example, but I'm pretty true to my loyalty when I say I'm out to do something. These things I don't manage to do are mostly to myself. I tell myself DONT FORGET and I do anyways. The standard I hold to my friends are greater than the ones I hold for myself and therefore I seem to let those little things like not listening to myself slip under my radar as major issues.

Not following through on bigger levels can be not only a hassle but, can show your insincerity for other people. When you say you're going to do something - do not leave me hanging. Especially if it means I have to either wait for you or have changed my schedule to fit this one.

I've slowly realized who I can and can't trust when it comes to understanding plans. Boys is suspect number 1, but there are some girlfriends I invited to show up an hour or so before the party because I'll know they'll be late and therefore on time... because they were late... to the early invite. HA! Gotcha! We do this same trick with my grandfather. His excuse is a little more warranted since he's almost 80.

I love my friends. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have any. Probably die. Or have 15 cats to replace my people friends. There was this little girl that came into my coffee shop every weekend and she had 13 dolls all named Sarah. I also wondered that if I ever got to the point where I have 15 cats... They would all be named Waldo.

Here are some things I learned about following through and what it means.

1. As an adult (a responsible one) following through is something that you just have to do. Whether it's work related or dealing with medical insurance or even if you just want to plan a trip somewhere, you have to do it yourself.

2. Making plans with someone can be great! You're hanging out with your friend soon! Awesome! Then they're like - I'm not going to call or text to let them know I'm not coming and you're left alone at a cafe eating brownies by yourself because no one loves you. Get new friends.

3. Don't get new friends... that last bit was harsh. I love my friends as I said and despite their imperfections, I still love them. However, there are some tricks you can use. Guilt's my favorite. "But this is the last chance I have before I move away." Or "But, I haven't seen you in forever and you owe me from the last (nthteen times) you've skipped out!' Whining helps too.

4. When given the opportunity to follow through on something that will benefit you in the long run, (ie. reimbursements, free meals, days off) do NOT skimp out on following through. My latest thing I've noticed is that I've actually had a lot of things I've needed to follow through on or else I'm out a lot of money.

5. Doing it just makes you feel more awesome! I mean, look. You take the extra 5 minutes, 30 minutes - whatever, and get it done. It's done. Over. And you might get something out of it! A raise, more money... you never know. Be responsible. Do it. Don't leave a girl hanging out to dry.