The Power of Following Through

Yoga, Thursday, 5:30 PM. When I put that on my calendar, I had every intention of going to class. So why, when mentioning my plans to my partner, do I say, "I'm probably going to yoga after work tomorrow"?

Probably? I was giving myself an out.

My calendar emails me reminders. The next morning, I shore up my resolve and leave that email in my inbox so I am reminded each time I check my email (a lot) throughout the day: I am going to yoga class after work.

Once at work, I decide to leave a little early so there will be no chance of running late and excusing myself from class. Oh, and maybe I can walk my dog and do the dishes before class too.

Wait a minute! I have decided to prioritize yoga today. The dog and the dishes will be there when I get home from class.

As soon as I step through my front door, my dog sprints over to greet me, her whole spine moving in a wave as her tale wags vigorously. She has been waiting for this joyful moment all day. Yes, there will be sad surprise eyes when I leave again in only 20 minutes. Until then, I have just enough time to change my clothes and stand at my kitchen counter, eating a snack before I catch the bus. I add another plate to the dish tub in the sink and walk away. I am going to yoga class today!

I head down the steps, yoga mat in hand, and, as I turn onto the sidewalk, I see the bus, my bus, drive by. Okay, I will walk/run to yoga today!

And I do. I wave as I run right by my partner and his crew of landscapers arriving home at the end of their day, and even run by the other yogis with their mats, undoubtedly heading to the same class as me.

Finally, I am unrolling my mat in this peaceful studio—with five minutes to spare—breathing and stronger now, because my commitment carried me here.