Keep your word!

“People with good intentions make promises. People with good character keep them.” –Unknown.

So often we commit ourselves to something, fully intending to follow through but then we don’t. In our fast paced lives any number of things could be the reason we fail to honour our commitments. Sometimes we simply forget, or we allow ourselves to be distracted. We might be tempted to do something more fulfilling, or perhaps we overcommitted ourselves and just don’t have enough time to get to everything. Or it could be we just don’t feel like doing it anymore. All of these things could be viewed as legitimate reasons, all of them undoubtedly happen but none of them are justifiable excuses for not honouring your commitments. In fact there isn’t an excuse for reneging on your word.
“Your word is your honour. If you say you’re going to do something, then you need to do it.” –Joyce Meyer

It is certainly completely unrealistic to believe that situations and circumstances beyond your control won’t ever arise to prevent you from keeping your commitments. That’s life. However, it is your responsibility to either make an alternative plan or at the very least communicate with whoever it is that you need to, in advance, honestly explaining your situation and of course sincerely apologizing. This allows the individual concerned an opportunity to timeously make other arrangements.  While they will surely be disappointed, they will be assured that you took the commitment seriously. I believe they will respect you for the way in which you handled things and for the ‘heads up’.

By being someone who strives to always keep their word you will earn the respect and trust of everyone around you. You will become known as a reliable person, one with integrity and honour. Attributes that will not only set you up for success in your career and in the business world but also in your friendships and personal relationships.
“When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust!” – John C. Maxwell

By being someone who very seldom keeps their word you will quickly lose people’s trust and respect and you will be seen as unreliable.
“When you don’t keep your word, you lose credibility.” – Robin Sharma.
Your word is your bond, when you break it you take the risk of being seen as dishonest, someone who lacks integrity and virtue. These undesirable attributes will have a very negative impact on your relationships in every facet of your life.

It is far easier to establish and build trust than it is to try and regain trust which has been broken.
We need to guard against being too self-absorbed or self-indulgent. To be aware of the needs and feelings of others. Society would be far better off if we all strived to be caring, considerate, honest, honourable and reliable individuals. Keeping your word can never go out of fashion. Don’t make commitments lightly and purpose to keep those you do make. Let your yes be your yes, and your no your no, even when it means putting others before yourself.
“Be that person who keeps their word; who honours their commitments even when it isn’t convenient.” – Lucy Macdonald.

I wrote the Cale the crab story to highlight the importance of being reliable. Through this entertaining story, Cale the crab shows children why it is important to keep your word as well as what the consequences of not keeping your word can be. Cale the crab is a colourful picture book with an enjoyable, meaningful story. Take a dive into this delightful book and join Cale the crab on his deep-sea adventure.

Get your copy of Cale the crab from Amazon and various other leading online retailers. I would really appreciate if you would show your support by leaving a review. I hope this story will motivate children to try very hard to keep their word and encourage them to be reliable.

Please take photos of your little ones enjoying this and any of my other books and share them with me by posting them on my website and/or my Jacqui Shepherd Children’s Author Facebook Page.
You are welcome to send in any book or blog related questions or feedback.
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