Chapter 1: The Importance of Personal Promises

Keeping promises to ourselves is crucial, as these commitments are often the most significant we can make.

Asking Yourself: Am I Capable of Keeping a Promise?

In order to be truly honest with oneself, self-reflection is necessary. Assess your reliability in following through on commitments. If you’re like me, you might find yourself frequently overcommitting, leading to unmet promises to yourself.

Many people excel at fulfilling commitments to others but struggle to extend the same energy and dedication to their own needs. For the longest time, I viewed these two types of promises as unrelated. However, I’ve come to realize that the promises we make to ourselves should take precedence.

By honoring these commitments, we signal to our subconscious that we can depend on ourselves, thereby simplifying our lives. One promise I’m focusing on is to stop overcommitting and to pause before agreeing to new obligations.

Trusting Yourself: A Vital Step

I can depend on myself to meet essential obligations, like paying bills or maintaining a clean living space. But can I rely on myself to fulfill the promises I make to myself? Unfortunately, I often find that I cannot. This realization has led to a growing distrust in my ability to keep commitments.

Over time, I’ve found myself unable to confidently promise that I will tackle tasks I’ve been procrastinating on or maintain daily yoga practice. This ongoing struggle is detrimental to my relationship with myself.

Below are five strategies I’m implementing to enhance my self-worth and self-esteem by keeping my promises.

1. Reflect on Your Motivations: Why Make This Promise?

Consider what drives you to make a specific promise. Are your motivations genuine, or are they influenced by external pressures? It’s crucial to understand that everyone has different values and needs. Before committing to something like a daily promise, ask yourself why it matters to you.

2. Treat It Like an Investment

Just like financial investments, personal promises require time and effort to yield results. Understand that the impact of your commitments may not be immediate; they could take months or even years. However, that doesn’t diminish their potential to transform your life.

3. Start Small and Gradually Increase Your Goals

Avoid setting yourself up for failure with unrealistic promises. If you aim to go to the gym five times a week, start with something manageable. For instance, begin with a short daily walk or a brief yoga session. Gradually, you can build up to your larger goals without overwhelming yourself.

4. Share Your Commitments with Others

Accountability can be a powerful motivator. When someone else knows about your goals, they can offer support and check in on your progress. It’s perfectly normal to encounter mental blocks; discussing these challenges with loved ones can help you navigate through them.

5. Document Your Promises

Keep a journal to track the commitments you’ve made, including the dates. This record will allow you to reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories along the way. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how minor, reinforces your commitment to yourself.

If You Make One Promise to Yourself, Let It Be This

Be gentle with yourself throughout this journey. It’s not always easy, especially if you’ve struggled in the past. Remember, the most challenging yet vital part is simply getting started.

Good luck on your journey!

Chapter 2: Helpful Resources

This video, "Take These Steps To Start Keeping Your Promises To Yourself | Mel Robbins," provides actionable insights into maintaining commitments to oneself.

Another valuable resource is "5 Tips to Help You Start Keeping Promises to Yourself!" which offers additional strategies for self-accountability.

Thank you for your support! If you enjoy my writing and want to read more, consider joining Medium for unlimited access to my content.