How about a world where people are good to their word?
How about a world where people say what they will do, and then do what they say?
Is expecting people to keep their word really possible when this basic principle is violated so frequently?
As an example, we tend to tell others, “I’ll call you next week.”
And then never do it.
Our lack of action is not meant to be mean or harmful; rather, we do it for convenience. Instead of explaining what we really mean, we simply take the easy route and make promises we have no intention of keeping.
Let’s be clear and sincere. We don’t always want to talk to all of the people we know “next week,” nor is it possible. Perhaps we would like to call and talk to our friends and those whom we like, but not everyone. And so, to exit gracefully, we simply say, “I’ll give you a call.”
You might say: “This seems so insignificant,” but it is extremely significant!. When we deceive ourselves on the small things, it becomes much easier to ruin the big things.
If we really do not want to call or see a person, it is better to simply say nothing. And, as is often the case, if we need to say something, we can find a different way to explain how we feel. That way we don’t promise what we are not willing to do.
Life is made up of a series of agreements. If we are constantly breaking them, our possibilities in life will be seriously hindered. Besides, the best way to increase our self-esteem is by being good to our word. Each time we are good to our word, our self-confidence increases and as an added bonus, other people’s confidence in us increases as well.
- When we give our word to do something, let’s do it
- When we say we are going to go somewhere, let’s go
- When we promise we are going to call someone, let’s call
It is better to disappoint someone in the moment than to defraud them in the future.
There will always be obstacles which prohibit us from being good to our word 100% of the time. If we cannot comply, we need only apologize, offer an alternative and carry on. Let’s do away with lame excuses to defend ourselves. I have heard that friends don’t need excuses and others won’t believe them. It seems to be true. Instead of offering an excuse, we can simply say:
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to do what I promised. How about if we meet for a cup of coffee tomorrow morning and talk about it?”
If the person accepts, great.
If not, that is ok too.
Those who are good to their word are actors in the game of life. When we make it a point to be good to our word and surround ourselves with others who are also good to their word, we truly can live in a world where people say what they do and then do what they say.
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 10