You are as good as how you keep your word.
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.
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.
And that means giving yourself what is due, no matter what that may be at the moment, as you journey towards becoming your own #bestmeever .
It starts with you.
Without commitment, you cannot succeed.
This is one thing I take to heart seriously.
Let’s face it: it’s not that easy to pursue goals, especially if they’re big ones.
And I am talking about life-changing, industry-disrupting dreams that we all have.
On the other hand, admittedly though, at times, even the smallest steps seem so hard.
There are days that we feel that we are not our best, that things are not working out as planned, that nothing is happening.
It’s during those days when our confidence hits low, our productivity slows down and our joyful, optimistic smiles fade into oblivion.
Yep, those days make us question our worth and if our dreams are still worth pursuing. It also affects the relationships we have not only with others, but with ourselves as well.
That’s when commitment comes to play.
It holds everything together: your self-esteem, your focus, your motivation and your ability to endure and grow.
That is why it’s very important to stay committed to not only your goals, but your over-all wellness and wellbeing relationships included, no matter how difficult life may be at times.
Commitment amplifies your credibility and integrity, promotes consistency and resilience and helps you face challenges with the least resistance. It anchors heavily on your purpose and core values, which are driving forces when pursuing your own dreams and goals as you become your own #bestmeever .
Staying committed is easier said than done. However, if you find yourself in that space now as you struggle with your commitments, whether to yourself, to your work or even with others, then this blog post is for you. Remember, not honoring your commitments can lead to broken relationships, lost opportunities and dreams unfulfilled so it’s very important to keep your word always.
Forgetting about your commitment is never a valid excuse. You can never be too busy to honor your promise. Write down all your agreements, whether with others or yourself, and set specific dates to remind you of them. On a personal note, I always jot down my reminders on my smart phone and set alarms on them in my calendar so I will always remember and never miss anything a long the way. I also have a habit of scanning my notes/calendars before my day starts and after a day’s work to ensure that I got everything covered. You may also try to post them (works best with goals) in random areas where you can see them everyday so that you are made aware of them consistently.
2. Start with small steps then gradually adjust accordingly
While looking at the big picture (and getting inspired by it) is key, it can also be scary at times because it seems way out there when one is just starting. Chunking down the things to be done and turning them to bite sized efforts makes them more doable and allows you to slide into the new routine easier. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually increase the effort, consistency and time that you spend in pursuing your goals so that you amplify your progress seamlessly without having to stress or pressure yourself to go big immediately.
3. Revisit your “WHY”
I used the word “revisit” here because sometimes, our personal “WHY” changes along the way. We may realize that we wanted to achieve something initially just because we want to prove others wrong or make a point without realizing that underneath it, we are longing to address an emotional void that we were overlooking. Along the way, check on your reasons for wanting to pursue your goals. See if they are still in alignment. If not, tweak them as you wish. Remember at the end of the day, you must pursue what’s true and genuinely meaningful for you so that you can stay committed.
To stay committed, go beyond the usual celebration of milestones and wins. Choose to celebrate what you have in your space instead coming from a space of gratitude. Whether things are moving fast or life seems to be paused to give you time to reflect and recalibrate your commitment, appreciate the space you’re in and know that you are exactly where you’re meant to be. Ask yourself this: how can my current space help strengthen my commitment to myself, my goals and others?
5. Rest and recalibrate
You don’t always have to be functioning at your 100% nor always in the hot pursuit of your goals. Allow yourself to breathe and just let yourself be. You deserve that time off too to honor yourself. You’re doing a good job in being mindful about your commitments, but don’t push yourself too hard to the point of getting burned out while doing so. Having renewed energy can fuel up your commitment in the long run.
Commitment is a big word. Having it can give you larger than life benefits.
So never take yours for granted.
