It used to be that one’s word was one’s bond. Agreements were made and kept with a minimum of fanfare. People thought carefully about whether they could deliver on their promises before agreeing to anything. It was that important. Today, keeping one’s agreements seems to be a hit-or-miss affair.
Every agreement you make is with yourself
More importantly, every agreement you make is ultimately with yourself. Even when you are making an agreement with someone else, your brain hears it and registers it as a commitment. You are making an agreement with yourself to do something, and when you don’t follow through, you learn to distrust yourself. The result is a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect. You lose faith in your ability to produce a result. You weaken your sense of integrity.
Some tips on making and keeping agreements
Here are some tips for making fewer agreements and for keeping the ones you make.
- Make only agreements that you intend to keep.
- Write down all the agreements you make.
- Communicate any broken agreement at the first appropriate time.
- Learn to say no more often.
* Source: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield