
We often use the terms “keep” and “honor” interchangeably when it comes to our word. But they are actually different. To keep your word means to always do what you say you will do. ALWAYS. To honor your word means to do everything within your power to keep your word, but in the event that something gets in the way, you own it and clean it up. Honor means taking responsibility to do whatever necessary to make it right, without blaming the circumstances, which may be legitimately uncontrollable.
However, you can still honor it. As soon as you know you will be late, inform the impacted parties of what is happening and what you will do to make up for it. It could sound like this: “I apologize for being late. I should be there in 30 minutes. I’ll work over lunch or stay an hour longer to make up the difference.” Taking full responsibility to clean up the impact that being late caused is what actually makes a difference in your results. And by taking responsibility, regardless of the circumstances, you are honoring your word even though you didn’t keep it. See the difference?
Whether you are late because you hit snooze 5 times or because your car had a flat tire, the impact of you not being at work at the agreed upon time is the same. No judgment here at all. This is about workability and performance. Just notice what happens to the quality of your life when you take full responsibility versus blame the circumstance. Responsibility is your access to power that makes a difference in your results. Honoring your word is key to elevating your life!
However, if you find it easy to keep your word, and find that you keep your word 100% of the time, consider that this is because you are playing small in life. It is easy to keep your word when you give it only to things that have you stay in the land of comfort and safety, rather than call you into expansion and growth. Look and see what you are giving your word to—comfort or growth? There is nothing to fix about this. Just notice it. And if you desire more powerful results, you can achieve this through choosing and honoring bigger commitments. It will really move your life forward.
Where would you like to experience greater impact in your business, relationships, health or spiritual life this week? What larger commitment needs to be made there? Just pick one. Are you ready to honor that?
To Your Great Life!
Becky