Keeping Your Agreements

My parents taught me that my word means everything in relationships.

And to consider whether I can deliver on my promise to someone.

This was important in our home.

Keeping agreements is a hit-or-miss occasion these days.

Folks casually break their word with no remorse.

The problem isn't that it occurs so easily and often.

It's that we don't realize the cost involved.

There's a high price to pay both internally and externally.

You lose trust, respect, and credibility with others...

Your family, friends, colleagues, clients, and customers.

You create a mess in your life and those who depend on your word.

People realize they can't count on you, and relationships deteriorate.

Every agreement you make is ultimately with yourself.

When there's no follow-through, you lose confidence and forfeit your integrity.

And it undermines your power.

It's not worth it.

Here's how you can take your agreements more seriously...

*Check in with yourself about keeping a commitment.

Do you really want to wind up doing this, or are you people-pleasing?

*Write out your agreements.

This clarifies your obligations with what you pledged to do.

*Communicate broken promises immediately.

This shows respect for others and limits the damage.

Clean up the consequences and decide whether to re-commit to the agreement.

*Learn to say "No".

Give yourself time to think it over...

Before you add another commitment to your life.

*For more reading, go to www.donwoodwriting.com

*Feeling stuck? Let’s talk.

*You can reach me at don@heartcoachforlife.com