The Money Is In the Bank When The Money Is In the Bank

"I’ll think about it."
"I’ll get to it."
"I’ll plan for it."
Who are you kidding with your empty promises?

When people ask us for something and let us know that it’s important for them, we often reply with something that looks like a commitment, but isn’t.

What does “I’m working on it” really mean? Here are some possibilities:

• I forgot and I’ve just reminded you of it.
• This thing is somewhere in the pile and I have no idea when (if ever) I get to it.
• This is really not important to me at all and I hope that by procrastinating, it’ll go away, you’ll find someone else to do it, or you’ll just do it yourself.
• I really am working on it, but taking my time, because I don’t know how important it is for you.
• I’m almost done, ready to give it to you, so stop bothering me.

Putting it on your To-Do list is NOT working on it.
Making it a priority in your mind is NOT working on it.
Waiting for someone else is NOT working on it.
Hoping you’ll get to it is NOT working on it.

Get real and communicate clearly. Ask questions, don’t assume. Let the other person know if you are stuck, if you cannot do it, or if you don’t want to do it. He may respect you more for your honesty.