The Promise Audit

Check the load before making another promise.

10–15 minutes to build the planFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to How to Keep Your Word Without Overcommitting.

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See a worked example

Example: a promised equipment check is due Friday, but Thursday is already committed. I reserve Wednesday evening, gather the list beforehand, and tell the coach today if I cannot meet the agreed deadline.

01List the promises people rely on

Use the agreed result and deadline, not a vague intention.

Promise 1

Promised result

Who relies on it?

Agreed deadline

Promise 2

Promised result

Who relies on it?

Agreed deadline

Promise 3

Promised result

Who relies on it?

Agreed deadline

02Check capacity

Choose the promise most at risk and check what the work actually requires.

Promise at risk

Time and preparation it needs

Actual calendar space available

Existing duty it would displace

03Communicate before the deadline

Do not quietly move a promise someone else is relying on.

Plain update I need to give

Realistic alternative I can offer

Who I will contact, and when

Revised result / deadline agreed

04Keep the next commitment

Prepare a visible first step and check the promised finish.

Preparation action

Start time

Evidence the result is finished

When I check outstanding promises