What’s your story?
If you had to describe what sort of person you are, what words would you use? What words do you think others would use? Though some descriptors might be physical, the primary adjectives would certainly relate to your character.
Clearly, not everyone knows the “real you,” but a large part of their perception of your character comes from your habit of keeping (or not keeping) your commitments.
“Character defines an individual, and honoring commitments helps to define your character.” — Gary Ryan Blair
We make many small and large commitments daily. A commitment includes any promise you make to…
Your employees and team members – Of course, you commit to paying your employees on time, but you also promise to keep them safe while at work and provide them with knowledge and skills.
Your customers and clients – When you sell your product or service, you are committing to delivering that product or service as described and on time.
Your family and friends – These are a full range of commitments from “I’ll call you later” to marriage vows.
Complete strangers – When you received your driver’s license, for example, you committed to driving safely and following the laws and guidelines proscribed.
Underlying all the other commitments you make, are those you make to yourself.
Whether it’s to get that workout in, eat healthier, spend more time with your kids, take an online course, grow company sales or build a new business, those promises you make to yourself are incredibly important to keep.
This is the very stuff integrity is built upon, for if you can’t trust yourself, why should others trust you?
Not honoring your commitments to yourself will eventually convince you that your word doesn’t mean much, keeping you from achieving your goals and wearing on your self-respect. If you don’t keep your promises to yourself, you will see little value in keeping those you make to others — a vicious cycle.
Sometimes it’s impossible to honor a commitment to yourself or others. Communicate! Let others know you won’t make the deadline, can’t make it home to dinner, won’t quite hit that sales goal. Let people know and make a new promise that you do feel you can keep. This is equally important for your commitments to yourself.
I would love to hear your challenges with commitments, either your own or others. I promise to respond to every message!
~ Tracey
Fundamental #11: HONOR COMMITMENTS
Be reliable and deliver on all your commitments, no matter how small. If a commitment is in jeopardy, notify others immediately and set a new commitment.
