The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course. -Michelangelo
There is a saying that many promises impair confidence, and it’s true, the word “promise” is often thrown around carelessly. Be it a promise to others, or a promise to yourself, the way you follow through on your promise, that is, your word, is a direct indicator of your character.
Staying committed to promises compels us into being the best version of ourselves possible. Give your word to those you love and give your word to yourself on the areas that you are committed to improving in yourself, for there is an incredible amount of power in a promise. Three years ago I started recycling. Now, I am not against recycling, in fact, as a young girl I attended Nature Camp and was very proactive about helping the environment in every way that I could. Then, I got lazy, much to the chagrin of my best friend Melissa, who, on a trip to visit me from Boston three years ago was aghast at my laziness. That day, she made me promise her that I would always recycle from that point on. I did, and I still do. In fact, every time, yes, every single day that I recycle, I think about Melissa and that promise. When I am tempted to not sort my trash, I think about Melissa. The idea of disappointing her or breaking my promise is enough to change my behaviour.
We all have the potential to be known as being true to our word. The important thing of promises to remember is that the integrity of your own word to yourself is just as important. Too often, the promises we make ourselves — promises to stop drinking, promises to exercise more, promises to be kinder to the people we don’t like, and promises to be more active in our communities — are the first promises we break, when in reality they should be the ones we guard and protect most fiercely.
Let your word being your legacy.