commitment (1)

Most folks consider themselves trustworthy, some might even be insulted or have hurt feelings if you asked. Yet amazingly few folks ALWAYS do as they say they will do (i.e. they do NOT have a 100% do/say ratio).

Part of the problem is over committing: people make little promises all the time, seemly harmless unimportant vows like “I’ll get back to you” or “I’ll get you an update” or “I’ll have to you tomorrow” but tomorrow never comes. Some folks would argue that no one on either side remembers all those little, pocket-sized promises, that they are just social back ground static, uttered without thought to fill empty air space, meant to be forgotten. 

Perhaps, but I think not. How we perform in little things is usually how we also do the big things. I know that I’m impressed when someone DOES get back to me, when I DO get the article or report in a timely fashion as promised or even when I get an email re-affirming the commitment and asking for an extension on delivery. A 100% do say/ratio is an awesome way to stand out from the crowd. 

It is important to work on both the denominator (“Do”) AND the numerator (“Say”). Be cautious about the commitments you make, do not make them casually. Given limited resources, every yes is a no to something else. Be aware of what you may be saying no to when you say yes. If it is just cutting into your couch time, go for it. If it means missing your kids soccer practice the 3rd time in a row, think long and hard.

Closing Quotes:

“Promises are like babies: easy to make, hard to deliver.” – Unknown

“Promises are like crying babies in a theater, they should be carried out at once.” – Norman Vincent Peale  

“Promises are like the full moon, if they are not kept at once they diminish day by day.” – German Proverb

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10, New American Standard Bible