Being true to your word—to others and yourself—may seem simple, but it’s essential for building honesty and integrity. It requires honesty, courage, self-knowledge, discipline, vigilance, and a strong sense of self-worth. These qualities make you a trustworthy and authentic person.
The Importance of Being True to Your Word
Growing up, I was taught that a responsible and honest adult is someone who keeps their promises. The mantra was clear: if you say you’re going to do something, then do it. However, as I got older, I realized this wasn’t always easy.
There were times when I promised to finish a project by a certain date, attend an event, meet a friend for coffee, take the dog for a walk, or make dinner on time—everyday commitments—but didn’t always follow through.
Consequences of Not Keeping Your Word
When I failed to keep my word, I often felt terrible. Initially, I made excuses or blamed external factors. Eventually, I began to take ownership of my shortcomings, questioning whether I had realistically managed my time, genuinely wanted to fulfill the commitment, or could have planned better.
From an energy perspective, planning your day in advance is more efficient than overcommitting and falling short. Overcommitting not only leads to guilt but also affects how others perceive you. People may start to see you as unreliable, lowering their expectations.
Failing to keep your word can strain relationships and damage your self-esteem. Conversely, being reliable and true to your word has a powerful, positive ripple effect.
Benefits of Being True to Your Word
- Builds Trust: When people know they can count on you, trust grows, which strengthens personal and professional relationships. According to Dr. Daniel Nwoji, BSc, MBA, DSLMD, “When people are honest and have integrity, they are dependable and reliable.” (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/honest-integrity-daniel-nwoji)
- Improves Self-Esteem: Consistently following through on your promises boosts your confidence and self-worth.(See previous blog post: “The Beauty Within”.)
- Reduces Stress: By accurately assessing your commitments and only promising what you can deliver, you can avoid the stress of constantly scrambling to meet deadlines or obligations.
- Enhances Productivity: Planning ahead and sticking to your word helps you stay focused and organized, increasing productivity in both personal and professional life.
- Reinforces Integrity: Aligning your actions with your words builds a reputation for integrity, invaluable in all areas of life.
Building Trust and Integrity Through Commitment
Being true to your word doesn’t just benefit you—it positively impacts those around you. Here’s how:
- Strengthens Relationships: Honesty and reliability are the foundations of strong relationships, whether personal or professional.
- Builds Respect: People respect those who stand by their word, viewing them as reliable and credible individuals.
- Fosters Teamwork: In work environments, dependability encourages collaboration and enhances teamwork, as colleagues know they can count on you.
- Encourages Accountability: When others see you being true to your word, it inspires them to be more accountable in their own actions.
- Creates Positive Energy: Authenticity and dependability foster a supportive and trusting atmosphere wherever you go.
Reflect and Act: Be True to Your Word Today
Being true to your word starts with being true to yourself. Before making commitments, reflect—do you have the time, energy, and desire to follow through? Being honest with yourself first makes it easier to be reliable for others.
Remember, it’s not just about keeping promises to others, but about honoring the commitments you make to yourself. As Proverbs says, “Your word is your bond.”
So today, strive to be true to your word. The ripple effect is bigger than you think.
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