The two words “I promise” carry a lot of weight, which is why when people break promises, it can create a crack in the relationship and lead to a loss of trust. Some may argue that not all promises hold the same weight. However, whichever way you look at it, a commitment is still a commitment, and staying true to your word means a lot to the other person you’re making the promise to.
What many people don’t realize is that keeping a promise is more than doing what you committed to do; it’s honoring the trust that the other person gave you as well as keeping your personal sense of integrity.
There are many benefits, both personally and professionally, to keeping your promises. Let’s explore the value of fulfilling your commitments and how you can practice upholding them.
What exactly is a promise?
In the simplest explanation, a promise is when you commit either to do or not to do something. A promise can be made between two people, a lot of people, or even just to yourself. While promises are usually spoken or assured, whether verbally or in writing, they can also be implied.
There’s a reason why keeping a promise reflects on your character and integrity. It’s because, at its core, a promise is an expectation that others put their trust in, and you are responsible for living up to that expectation and the impact it has.
Why you should keep your promises
In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to get so carried away with other priorities that you end up taking a step back from honoring your commitments. Here’s why promises go beyond words and why keeping them is important:
Promises strengthen relationships
When you fulfill the promises you make, whether to your friends, family, or coworkers, you are taking care of that bond in the relationship. Keeping your word shows that you respect their feelings and value their opinion. It proves dedication not to break their trust.
They feel appreciated and taken seriously, as opposed to feeling betrayed, resentful, and disappointed when you break a promise.
Builds credibility
Keeping a promise means staying true to your word. So naturally, if you often break your promises, it negatively affects your credibility. Treating promises lightly and failing to commit to them over and over again shows the people around you that they can’t trust or rely on you — and in relationships, trust is earned.
When it comes to promises, actions definitely speak louder than words. So if you always promise and never follow through, people will start to lose faith in you.
Nurtures personal integrity
A promise is a pledge you make, which means you are accountable for carrying out and accomplishing what you said you would do. Through keeping promises, you are aligning your actions with your values and reflecting that trust, honesty, and character are important to you.
Being responsible enough to honor your word shows that you are also honoring your core values and principles.
Promotes professional reputation
Keeping your promises in the workplace boosts your professional reputation. When you actualize something you said you would, like beating a project deadline or reaching a quota, it shows that you are committed to fulfilling your obligations.
When you follow through on your words, it allows your colleagues to have confidence in your abilities, and they can rely on you not to let them down. Being accountable, reliable, and dedicated speaks volumes about your work ethic and opens doors for many opportunities.
Empowers self confidence
While keeping your promises has a lot to do with how others see and trust you, it also benefits your self-confidence and sense of self. In reality, fulfilling your promises is not a clear path or a straight line — it’s not as easy as it sounds. Life may get in the way, unexpected circumstances may arise, and sometimes it may even be impossible to uphold your commitments.
This is why being able to honor your promises is a rewarding feeling, proving that you have what it takes to achieve what you said you would. When you’re someone that people can trust to keep your promises, you feel trustworthy, capable, reliable, and confident.
Additionally, as you continue to build your confidence and sense of self, it can also significantly boost your mental health and self-esteem.
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