Keeping Promises

“I promise!”

How many times have you said that? Personally, I can remember saying that statement ever since I was a toddler. You probably even hear kids say it to each other all the time for one reason or another.

Maybe it’s a response to a secret. Or perhaps it’s said as your commitment to do something in exchange for something else. Or maybe it’s said to complete a task or homework or a repayment. Whatever the reason, keeping promises does not seem to be as important today as it was even just a few short years ago. It’s taken for granted. It’s cliche.

Unfortunately, it has become all too common to hear of a politician or government official or police officer or even a minister telling some lie of getting caught up in some scandal, all due to not keeping their promise or commitment to those within their influence. It is a shame. But, nothing anyone else does should ever sway you or me from keeping our promises.

Not only is it simply the right thing to do. But it’s one of the original ten commandments. You remember’ “Thou shalt not lie”.

Believe it or not, promises or, more specifically, keeping promises is what holds our society together. Untold numbers of skirmishes and wars between peoples and nations have broken out simply because one party or another didn’t keep their promise to the other party.

The bottom line is, living your life as a man or woman of your word can and will prove to set you apart as you grow older.

Saying you will keep your promises now is one thing. But keeping them can prove to be a pretty difficult task.

So here are a few pointers that may prove to help you in becoming or remaining a person who keeps their promises.

1. Think Before You Promise

I get it. Sometimes the emotions in the moment get in the way of thinking clearly and making wise decisions. We’ve all probably been there. But it is imperative to always think about any consequences of making the decision to promise something before actually doing it.

It definitely helps when you stop to realize the value of your words. Plus, the value of your words and the confidence people have in you and your commitments will only increase when you always follow through with what you have promised.

2. Count the Cost

This goes hand-in-hand with the first point. Counting the cost of making a promise is taking things a step forward when you also think about how keeping a promise in the long run will or would affect you. Ask yourself something like, “Will making this promise prevent me from keeping another commitment I have previously made?” If the answer is yes, then it should probably lead you to not make that promise.

3. A Commitment is a Commitment

Learn this lesson early in life; when you commit to something, do everything you can possibly do to keep that commitment. This is what makes the first couple of points even more important.

The old adage, your word is your bond, is truer than you may ever know.

4. Don’t Be Moved by Peer Pressure

Very often, you may find yourself in the position of being pressured to promise something only because you are in a group of other people making a similar promise. Trust me, more often than not, that will lead you down a bad road.

You have been given the ability to make great decisions. Make them and stand by them. In the end, you’ll be glad you did!