Expose and Eliminate Your Diversionary Tactics

Everyone Comes Before Me: One of my clients, Mary, told me that she blocked out Mondays and Fridays for marketing, professional development, research, and new business development

activities. When I asked her if she honored this, she paused for a moment and then replied, "No." Mary shared with me the fear she experienced about blocking out two full days, even though she knew that in order for her to build her practice this was a priority.

Inevitably, a client would call and ask to see her on a Friday or Monday. Rather than honoring the appointment she made with herself, she would set the appointment with the client.

Mary said she had a real hard time saying no to her clients. After all, if she refused them, maybe they would go elsewhere, right? Or she feared her clients wouldn't be able to meet with her at another time.

I challenged Mary on this: "For the next two weeks, would you be willing to honor the commitment you made to yourself on Mondays and Fridays?" Reluctantly, she agreed.