Why A Promise Performed Adds Value To Your Character

Everyone has those things that agitates (or aggravates) them to the point where they’ve had enough. Well, one of those things for me is people who promise to do things and don’t do them. For example, a friend tells you that they will cook dinner on Sunday night. When Sunday comes around, they are no where to be found. Or for instance, you’re dating someone and they promise to take you to the Cheesecake Factory on a Friday night date. By the time Friday comes, your date texts you that they are tied up at work. This is sometimes just a cover up to the fact they may be cheating on you and out on a date with someone else. But that’s another story….

People who make promises should understand that each time you don’t follow through, you tarnish your character. You become phony and not reliable. However, there are ways to make a promise and stick to it.

To build up character or not tarnish your current one too much, try doing the following:

1. Tell the truth…right at that moment – Make a decision on the promise at that exact time. Don’t be confused about it or undecided. Be honest and direct.

2. Give an alternative or counter-proposal – If possible, have a plan B. This way, the person you made plans with won’t feel as though they were told a lie. Be proactive with your promise by having a backup plan.

3. Say No – If the request made is something you do not want to partake in, just say NO.  No need to continue to make promises you could care less about. Be real with yourself and the other person.

4. Say Yes, but Do It – If the request is something you want to do, then say YES.  But, in order to maintain the value within your character, you must follow through with the promise. So make sure it gets done.

The worst thing a person can do is ignore the promise. Also, if the promise is ignored and there’s no follow-up to extend an apology, that’s even worse. Especially with business associates, not acting on a promise will dim the light on your business practices. Your company also has the potential to decrease in value as well. As businessman and woman, this is something that you must pay very close attention to.

At the end of the day, it is about making the other person feel appreciated.  Appreciation can go a long way.  If the person on the receiving end feels appreciated, that person will then share their experience with you with another person.

“The more value you add, the more you gain in return.” – Tony Robbins