Keeping Your Word: The Importance of Honoring Commitments

Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
2 min readFeb 17, 2023

--

Keeping your word is crucial to maintaining strong relationships and earning the trust and respect of others. When you make a promise or commitment to someone, you put your reputation on the line. Failing to follow through on your word can lead to disappointment, distrust, and damage to your credibility. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of keeping your word and provide tips on honoring your commitments.

Why is keeping your word important?

*Building trust

Building trust is one of the most important reasons to keep your word. When you follow through on your commitments, you demonstrate to others that you are reliable and trustworthy. This helps establish a strong foundation for healthy relationships, whether with friends, family members, or colleagues.

*Respect for others

Keeping your word also shows respect for others. When you commit to someone, you tell them their needs are important to you. Failing to follow through on that commitment can be interpreted as a lack of respect for the other person’s time and priorities.

*Personal integrity

Finally, keeping your word is a reflection of your integrity. When you make a promise, you make a statement about your character. Following that promise is essential to maintaining your integrity and demonstrating your commitment to your values and beliefs.

Tips for keeping your word

*Only make commitments you can keep

Before making a promise, take the time to assess whether you can realistically follow through on it. Be honest with yourself and the other person about what you can and cannot do. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on caution and avoid committing something you can’t keep.

*Communicate clearly

When committing, be clear about what you are promising to do and when you will do it. This will help manage expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page. If circumstances change and you can no longer meet your commitment, communicate that as soon as possible and work with the other person to find a solution.

*Prioritize your commitments

If you have too many commitments, it’s important to prioritize them. Focus on the most important commitments and do your best to meet those first. Be honest with the other person if you can’t meet a commitment and work with them to find a solution that works for both of you.

*Be accountable

If you cannot meet a commitment, be accountable and take responsibility for the situation. Apologize for any inconvenience you may have caused and work with the other person to find a solution. Being accountable and taking responsibility for your actions can go a long way in maintaining trust and respect.

In conclusion, keeping your word is vital to building trust, showing respect for others, and maintaining personal integrity. Following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure you honor your commitments and build strong, healthy relationships with others. Remember, your word is your bond, and keeping it can make all the difference in both your personal and professional life

--

--

Dr. Cassandra Hawkins

Dr. Cassandra Hawkins is a professor, writer, researcher, and bibliophile. @thebougieprofessor