When we make promises to others, there is an expectation and pressure from the other parties and from us that they are kept. It is out in the open, and hence accountability comes into picture too.
Whereas when we make promises to ourselves, although in the moment there is an internal expectation and a desire to fulfil it, often times we cloud our mind with excuses for why we can’t keep up the promises. No one knows about it hence there is little shame or guilt in breaking the promise. Accountability can be less to none.
In school we are taught to keep promises made to others but hardly do we talk about importance of keeping the promises made to ourselves. Keeping promises to yourself is as important if not more than keeping promises made to others. It will improve your self respect and self trust. It will make you more disciplined and more accountable. It will make you more focused.
Keeping promises to yourself will help you to be on the same page as you mind.
Some ways to make it easy for you to keep your promises are:
- Only promise things to yourself that are extremely important
- Write down your promise (this becomes your goal)
- Be specific and design ways to measure the progress
- Make it your number one priority
- Start small – achieve it and promise some more
- Reward yourself on achieving the promise
TEJAS PATEL'S LIFESTREAM 