Even after taking graduate-level courses in leadership theory & teaching college leadership seminars (yes, I am a very big deal)…I truly think it all comes down to this: Do What You Say You Will Do. I’ve come to the conclusion that life, leadership, & love are all about being authentic, making commitments, and then following through. DWYSYWD has become a cornerstone of my life philosophy. Over the years, though, I’ve noticed that I’m infinitely more likely to make something happen and follow through on a promise if it involves other people. For example, I might:
But when it comes to my own life, for some reason, I sometimes let myself fall back on “someday” as a time when I will make all my dreams come true – or even, any of my dreams come true. So I’m realizing that this list and this project are a way for me to DWYSYWD – for myself. There is something magically liberating about being independent and knowing that you only really need to look out for yourself, but that has never been my default mode. Going forward, I will make myself more of a priority and hold myself to the same standard I hold all my other shenanigans and my social life to: If I say it will happen, I will make it happen.
Ashley Blackburn 