How to (always) keep your promises!
Do you have an easy time making promises and a hard time keeping them? If so you are not alone.
In fact just the other day I received a txt from my friend very early in the morning pulling out of our pre-arranged early morning run, because… Well, apparently the weather was… Miserable.
I texted back. Thank you J, but I’m going anyway, rain or sunshine, I made a promise to myself, and I’ll keep it and you should do it too. Obviously he didn’t.
If you haven’t been able to keep the promises you have made to yourself like my friend did, fear not as today I’ll share with you how to honour your word, sticking to it and most importantly reach your goals.
What is a promise?
Let’s first define what a promise is. A promise is a declaration of commitment by someone to do or not do something. If you haven’t been able to keep your big P’s in the recent days, weeks, or even months, then it’s time to stop this very negative habit. If you don’t, sadly it’ll erode your self esteem. Like an illness it’ll negatively spread into all other segments of your life in a very detrimental way.
How do you keep a promise?
Follow the three simple steps below to learn to build probably the best habit of all habits, the habit of keeping your promises to others and to yourself.
1 — Get it in writing
We can just say it (the promise), but when you get it on paper, it’s official. You have made a commitment and are crystal clear on your objective, intention and what achieving this can do and create in your life. I particularly invite my clients to do this when working towards their specific goals. It helps them being accountable.
When you are clear on what you want and repeat it daily you become emotionally engaged in its achievement. As a result it gives you the confidence, the energy, and the motivation to take the daily steps that are required, rain or sunshine.
Therefore, the first step to honour your word and keep a promise to yourself, if you are serious, is to write it down.
2 — Start gradually small
During the summer season I met another friend whom I hadn’t seen for a long time. During our conversation he told me about his struggles with his weight and how to stay fit due to the lack of time and other commitments. Basically he couldn’t keep his promises to himself. Common story right?
The solution? Following some more exploring I advised him to perform only one single press up in the morning, every morning for the next 30 days at least as soon as he’d wake up, that’s all.
His words — Cam’on Paulo what will that do? I told him — just do it. A month later he called me and the first thing he told me was — Paulo you won’t believe it, I’m up to 22 press ups every morning! Thank you man, I have been able to keep my promise for the first time and the crazy thing is that I want to carry on!
3 — Get accountability
This last step is very important. Try to find someone you know who is already successfully doing what you want to do. Whether is a friend, family member or why not hire a Coach, Trainer and ask them to keep you in check, at least until the behaviour becomes automatic.
Accountability is often the key piece of the puzzle that really helps you stay on course and achieve your goals.
Whenever you stay on track, text the person and celebrate. Whenever you feel like you’re falling off track, be honest, accept the harsh feedback and learn the lesson. It’s really just a matter of how high of a standard you want to set for yourself in your life and in this case for your health, fitness and wellbeing.
Conclusions
There you have it. If you are finding it challenging to keep your promises, I sincerely encourage you to apply the three simple key steps that I have shared:
1 — Get it in writing
2 — Start gradually small
3 — Get accountability
Your goal is to know what you are promising.
Start small and stick to the process one day at a time and last but not least, get someone to check in regularly with you.
I truly believe, no matter where you are right now, that the three tips I have just shared, can help you honour your word and train yourself to be the best promise keeper around!
As always to your success and health.
Be inspired and inspire others!!
If you want to make a serious change and don’t know where to start, simply ASK ME!! Proud to be of your service and committed to your fitness success, health and above all wellbeing.
For more information please visit: www.paulo-horta.com
