Resources  > Understand the Decision Chain > Follow Through

Check out the chain worksheet!

Decision Chain Element - Follow Through

Comittment to Follow Through: Make them real

Commitment to follow through means we are set to execute our decision and can do so purposefully. If we are only halfhearted about our commitment, our follow- through is usually less intense and may not achieve the best results. 
  
Committing to follow-through is like pulling an internal switch—after the switch is on, we do whatever it takes to make our decision real. When we shift from considering a decision to being in the state of commitment, we are clear and can proceed without reservation, conscious of potential consequences. 
  
Successful follow-through requires resources such as time, effort, money, or help from others. It also requires being prepared to overcome obstacles.

How to commit to follow through

Ask yourself

• Am I ready to act?

• Will I do this?

• Do I have the necessary means to follow through?

Ask your head

• What could stop me from following through?

• Am I prepared for the consequences and for doing what it takes to carry through on the decision?

Ask your heart

• What fears do I have that prevent me from making my decision real?

• Have I accepted the potential consequences that go along with acting/choosing?

• Am I ready for the internal shift from considering the decision to the state of making it happen?

• Will others support or hinder me in executing the decision? Am I prepared to deal with this?

Tools and good practice

• Quality decision process to create the right conditions for follow through

• Alignment with others whose help I need to achieve commitment

• Action or implementation plan

• Progress measurement (e.g., milestones)

Traps to avoid

• Making a “mental commitment,” but separately deciding not to really put forth the necessary effort to follow through

• Not dealing with obstacles that get in the way

• Procrastination

• Halfhearted commitment