Promises, promises

When I started this blog, I made myself a promise that I’d post to it three times a week. Which is a lot.

Or at least it feels like a lot to someone who already writes all day long and often into the evening.

I almost didn’t write today’s post. It’s been a big week. But then I remembered that I made a promise. Even if it’s to myself, I should keep it.

Which got me thinking about promises. I take them very seriously, but does everyone else do the same?

My work revolves around deadlines. My clients know they can count on me to hit them. Every so often, I have to beg for mercy, as I did this week. And because they know my word is good, my clients are willing to give me some leeway every once in a while. I don’t ask very often.

I look at the world around me, though, and I see plenty of people who don’t keep their promises. Writers who miss deadlines with abandon. People who swear they’ll stay in touch and don’t. Politicians who say they’ll do one thing and then do another. Companies that promise their product will deliver when it doesn’t.

I think keeping promises is important. Sure, there are times when going back on your word is unavoidable. But hopefully, you don’t take it lightly — and you make up for it somehow.

To me, it’s a sign of integrity when people keep their promises. Even the ones they make to themselves.