Overpromise

I had an intake with a client about a training programme. Great conversation. At the end they asked: 'How long does it take you to write a proposal?' I felt tension coming up. I wanted to deliver fast. But I was also busy the next few days. My thoughts in that split second were:

• ''I want to say: 'one week.' But next week is full with training and preparation.

• But what will they think if I do it later? They will be disappointed.

• It's very weak if I can't manage a simple proposal in a week.

• And they want to start soon.

• But how am I going to do this?! I have to find some time in the evenings...''

My internal tension was huge. But the answer, with a smile, was: 'I can deliver my proposal in one week!' 'Oh great!', said the client. I overpromised quite a lot in my work. I really believed that people would be disappointed in me personally, if I didn't deliver as fast as possible. And I wanted it to be true: writing a proposal in one week. But that didn't mean it was realistic. I have different beliefs now. I know people will not be disappointed in me as a person. I know that I can take time to make a realistic plan. I know people understand if you are busy. And that I am not weak if I don't fix it all super quick.

I do not only rationally think that, I really believe that. That tension, to perform fast and good, is still there. I am still sensitive for that pressure. But the good news is: I have a toolbox how to deal with that now.

1. It starts with recognizing what you are thinking in that moment.

2. Then realizing how these beliefs are limiting you.

3. From there, you can make the step towards: what helps me to think differently?

4. And how do I want to react next time?