How many times do we say we will do something and actually
follow through with our promises? Being
loyal to your word is one of the most important skills you could possibly
develop. If you are loyal to the words
that leave your mouth, then other people can trust you.
I, like many, have had struggles with this, saying I will do
something and then forgetting about it or finding something better to do. I try
to fulfill my word, but sometimes I just take my own sweet time to do it. This
has been one of my biggest hindrances to my success, and it will be yours too
if you don’t change it.
If you find that people don’t take you seriously, or that your
opinion seriously lacks credibility among your peers and family, the problem is
NOT that they are “narrow minded” or “misunderstanding.” The problem is that
you are simply not trustworthy. If you have never given people a reason to
respect you, you cannot expect them to give that respect freely to you. You can only become the person of
credibility you desire to be when you become loyal to your word. Always remember that your words reflect
who you are! If you use curse
words regularly as adjectives, you may portray yourself as slightly uneducated
and lacking in wit. If you make empty promises, you will portray yourself as a
neglectful and careless person. If you
lie, you will be known as a liar.
Like anything else, becoming loyal to your word is a
conscious choice that you will have to make.
Once you make that choice you will have to follow this mental process in
order to make your word valid:
Think before you speak! If what you are about to say is false, rude,
an empty promise, or a lie…well for Pete’s sake, don’t say it! Your words
reflect who you are! What do you want to
say about yourself when you open your mouth?
Make a decision! If someone is asking you for a favor, ask
yourself if you can accomplish what they are asking. Are you willing to perform
the task they need performed? Decide if what you are about to say is something that
you can physically and mentally accomplish.
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| Don't give me that look....make a decision! |
SPEAK! Once you have made your decision, let your
voice be heard. Let the vocalization of
this promise be the seal upon your decision.
 |
| SPEAK! |
Follow through! You have spoken, so now it is time to follow
through with that promise. Do what you need to do in order to accomplish the
task.
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| Alma: My best friend, never afraid to do anything she set her mind to. |
Don’t go back on your word! If you fail to perform the task, do not try
to change around what you agreed to do in the beginning. People aren’t stupid. They know when you are
trying to relocate the blame. Take
responsibility for your failure, apologize, and make a goal to do better the
next time.
 |
| My Sister Amy, one of the most trustworthy amazing women I know. |
Honesty is the best policy, but being honest encompasses
much more than just not telling lies. It encompasses every promise and every
word that leaves your mouth. It
encompasses all actions and interactions that you have. Be HONEST to yourself and to others. In this
you will find your success.
-Zig
Ziglar
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