How To Honor Your Commitment

At the end of the day, how you keep your promises determine your credibility and integrity, two things which you don’t ever want to compromise, no matter what.

Through the years, I have seen countless of relationships break, careers shatter and people spiral down because of their inability to honor their commitments.

The question is: why is that the case?

Well, let’s do a check in now.

In your case, what makes it difficult for you to honor your word?

Is it the overwhelming pressure around you?

The lack of priority?

Over promising but under delivering?

Whatever your reason may be at the moment, please know that no amount of excuses can save your reputation once it’s tainted.

So let’s not even go there.

Now, without any judgment, if you’re having difficulty now when it comes to honoring your commitments, allow me to share with you 5 ways to make it easier along the way:

1. Make sure your emotions are stable before making any promises

Heightened emotions can cause you to make promises impulsively. This applies to both positive and negative ones. There is so much truth in not making promises when you’re overly happy, sad, angry or scared because one way or another, in the long run, you’ll regret making them. So make sure that before giving your word, you are coming from a very stable space and you are not driven by any form of extreme emotion that may blur your sense of judgment and commitment so to speak. Key reflection: how do I feel now as I make this promise?

2. Check on the feasibility of your promise

Over promising is one of the most common causes of not being able to keep one’s word. Remember: the goal is not just to please the other party at the onset of your discussion. The goal is to be able to deliver accordingly and exceed expectations. In order to do this, you must become very mindful of all the details, big and small, including timelines, deliverables and other matters of accountability so you don’t find yourself in an awkward position in the long run. Think about this: what bases must I cover to make all these things possible?

3. Align everything fully with the other party

I always emphasize the importance of putting everything in black and white so that both parties have something to look back at when caught in a crossroad. Please don’t ever find offense when someone tells you to put everything into writing — that’s actually the most professional thing to do and it safe guards both parties. Remember, if the intentions and all other pertinent details are clear, then you have nothing to fear. Always voice out your concerns and suggestions even before you shake hands so that they may be addressed accordingly ahead of time before they become issues in the long run. Something to ask yourself: What needs to be fully clear between us so we can move forward seamlessly with this agreement?

4. Communicate clearly and regularly

Whatever happens, always find time to update the person you’ve committed to. Never just disappear when times are harder than usual. You owe it to the other party no matter what. Be brave enough to have difficult conversations and be prepared to have solutions when unforeseen delays or changes in plans occur. Don’t ever leave the other person hanging as it speaks about your ability to maintain the integrity of your words and actions and ability to honor your relationships when hurdles are encountered along the way. Best if you can do quick check ins once in a while and take time to assure the other party about the progress of your agreements. That helps manage the anxiety and stress brought about by not knowing what has transpired along the way. Reflect: what needs to be communicated accordingly to avoid any future misunderstanding?

5. Prioritize your promises

It’s not just lip service; your promises can make or break you, depending on how you deal with them. Give them utmost importance. Always ensure that you do your best always as you give your all to fulfill them accordingly. Prioritizing involves finding ways, means and time to deliver what is due, by doing at least one thing per day that will allow you to do just that. Park your promises when you’ve fulfilled them. Until then, make sure they’re always in sight by doing away with what does not serve you at the moment. Check this out: what must I let go of as I make my commitment my focus now?

Remember this: to be able to keep your word to others, you must first learn to honor your commitment to yourself.

To keep your core values, integrity and credibility in tact, always in all ways.