By Michelle M Miller

The old saying that ‘my word is my bond’ is a powerful affirmation. It builds confidence, competence and a sense of trustworthiness that identifies you as a reliable individual.

Too often, however, people toss there words around without regard, saying they are going to stand for or this or stop doing that, but they never follow through.

They may not realise it, but by not being a person of their word they become known as undependable and eventually unable to trust themselves.
Without self-trust there is no trust.

If you cannot trust yourself you cannot trust anyone else. For this very reason, you must honour your words. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

After a while, the idea of just saying whatever they think people want to hear or going along just to get along becomes old and tired. Lying or being dishonest with yourself is really a sad state in which to live. If you cannot count on yourself, whom can you count on?

It is time to find the courage to be true. Be sincere and honourable in your dealings as a sign of respect for yourself. Many are quick to blame the government or everyone else for the agony of where they find themselves. Yet, the harsh truth is only you live inside your life. You are the gatekeeper. You decide what goes comes in or goes out of your mouth. When you send your words forth, they reap and return to you in kind.

So, what are your words worth? Are they a reflection of all that you are? Do you treat them with honour and respect?

When you see them in this light, you choose your words carefully as they will return to you accordingly.

Practice the habit of speaking truth to power. Be truthful and honest. You deserve the courtesy of the truth.

Winston Churchill puts it well when he said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Ignorance may deride it, malice may attack it, but in the end – there it is.”
Standing on truth is a powerful platform to build the habit of making your word your bond. It is one of my core values to be a person of my word.

I know for sure my sense reliability in honouring my words has opened endless doors of possibilities. I believe there is no greater power than being in agreement with yourself.

When you say that you are going to do something, whether it is to achieve something, drop some destructive habit or just showing up at an event, doing it and following through is a sign of self-respect.

While people may be disappointed if you don’t do what you say, more than this you will be even more disappoint in yourself.

You see, your words are all that you really have. They are the glue that bonds your life together – they determine whether you live powerfully or powerlessly. Honouring your word takes heart.

Bear in mind however, that if you commit your words, and find that you are unable to follow through for whatever reason, simply find the courage and respect to take them off the table. Retract, reschedule, or reorganise the situation, but do not leave your words out there detangling without honour and respect they deserve. Be a person who keeps their word –because it is who you are.

You are a whole person. Every fibre of your being is stitched together with the finest of threads. Your words are the bricks with which you build your life. They go forth as agents and negotiator of your life experiences.

Keeping your word is a valuable discipline that adds to your personal success.

From leader to leader, make today the day that you reconsider what your words are worth. Finding the courage to be a person of your word moves you forward in living the life that you love.

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