I went to bed at 10 o’clock last night. The lights were out. My computer was off. My phone was off. The book was closed. The crossword was set down.
The last thought that went through my head was “Woohoo, I DID IT!!!”
Did you just see the celebratory fireworks? Or are you wondering whether I need a little more excitement in my life if that is what I am most proud of? Okay, so it might not seem like so much to celebrate, but let me share a little context.
Why is this a noteworthy event? Well, for one, it is something I know my body needs. The benefits of sleep are undeniable. So yes, I could celebrate the support I was giving my brain, my body, and my mood.
I celebrated because I did something I said I would. I committed myself earlier in the week that I would get to bed by 10 o’clock at least one night that week. It was a commitment aligned with who I want to be today.
I am notorious for staying up late. Just ask my husband, or my teenagers, or even my neighbor who sees the light on until midnight many nights.
I often stay up later than my body needs me to. I stay up because there’s one more thing to do. One more thing that was on my list for the day but didn’t get done. One more thing that I don’t want to put off until tomorrow. And after I get that one more thing done… Look! There is another “one more thing” to do!
It was time to make a commitment to myself. Start small. I will get to bed one night this week by 10 o’clock. It was also time to up the stakes. I told a few other people what I was going to do.
What went through my mind at 9:30 that evening as I sat with my computer still open, and my to-do list next to me looking at the next few quick things I could tick off my list?
I remembered the commitment I had made to myself. I remembered that I told others that I was going to do it. I didn’t expect them to check in on me, nor was I planning on reporting back to them. Yet at 9:45, I turned off the computer and got ready for bed. I let my book sit on the nightstand, kept company by the crossword. And I turned off the light.
The next morning I woke up refreshed and ready for the day. I hadn’t gotten that much sleep in a long time, and my body was already thanking me for it. I also awoke with a renewed appreciation for the power of accountability, and of upholding the commitments to myself.
It is the small commitments that are easiest to let go of because they are small. But they are also the easiest to fulfill.
Three things I learned that I will use in the future…
- A small commitment is still a commitment.
- Involve others. It makes me more accountable to myself as well.
- Celebrate each win!
Your turn
What is one small commitment that you can make to yourself that will get you on the track that you want to be on?
Who can you let in on your intention so that you cement the accountability within yourself?
And now… prepare to celebrate!