Promise keeping and taking action

It is getting close to New Years, when everyone make promises to themselves for the next year.  These are called resolutions and can be healthy or not.  Maybe I'll write about that in a later post. 

Today I want to make a comment on promises of action taken given to others.  If someone asks if you did something, and you didn't- don't say you did- even if you are intending to do it.

Why?  Too often it doesn't get done and things go pear-shaped.

This is like the little kid who, when asked by a parent "Did you clean your room," says "Yes" and intends to go immediately to the room and clean it. However, the dog wants to play, or the TV is on, or dinner smells good, and the kid gets caught out. Repercussions happen and the child is yelled at, grounded, loses allowance, or something.  Stuck looking out the window at the world but not able to play.  All because s/he didn't own up to the truth- the room wasn't clean when s/he said it was.

If you didn't do what is being asked about, say "No, I didn't" and let the person know when you are going to do it (and then do it.)

I suggest you say when you will complete it so there is no miscommunication.  The person asking may mean "now" and you mean "by the end of the day."  This leads to tension and problems.

What it all boils down to is being honest and up front.  If you haven't done it, say so.  Don't hide.  If you plan on doing it, say so.  Then do it.  That's your courageous work.

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