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50 Days to 50
DAY 27: “Promises to Keep”…to Yourself
The other day I listened to a talk by Sheri Dew called, “Living on the Lord’s Side of the Line.” In it, she shares that after a landmark interview between Mike Wallace and Gordon B. Hinckley, then-president of the LDS Church, she had occasion to speak to Mr. Wallace. He said that the most stand-out thing for him in his wonderful interchange with President Hinckley is that the latter fulfilled every promise and did everything he said he would do. The result was respect, progress, and, well, results.
What if we applied that same wisdom to keeping promises to ourselves? I’ve understood for a long time the direct correlation between our ability to keep promises to ourselves, and our ability to do so with others. The doctrine of self-discipline can be found in the doing.
So how was I doing?
Once I started paying attention, I could not believe how often opportunities arose to NOT keep promises to myself. And, the resulting negative hit on my self-esteem and self-respect that could occur.
A few quick examples:
*Running into Costco for “a few things.” This phrase makes me tremble. I’ve had to limit my Costco visits to once a month, and even then wonder if I need an intervention. However, with this “promises to keep” mentality, I came, I bought, I conquered—only 10 items and ALL OF THEM ON THE LIST. That is an absolute first.
*Choosing the better treat. It’s a rare moment I’ll stop for a treat for my little one (“We’ve got [insert name of desired delectable] at home”), but he had been extra grand and there the ice cream store was. My treat decision—delicious sooo creamy ice cream, or frozen yogurt to keep the promise for healthier choices. I went with the frozen yogurt. Fattening wise, it may not be that different, but in my mind and soul, I knew I had triumphed.
*Playing Lego ships with my toddler. Frankly, after 23 years of raising children, I’m kind of done with Legos. However, he is not. In fact, he is at the start of a Lego love affair that will last many years. I was tired, I was avoidant, but indeed, I kept my self-promise of fun floor time daily with my little boy.
Literally, these are but a few of the moments I recognized as promise-keeping. And, I can’t deny the resulting good feelings I experienced after being true to them. This concept is MAGIC. As I keep my self-promises (on the understanding that you are first clear about what those promises are), I feel an actual increase in respect and can-do attitude within.
Now it’s your turn:
What are three of your top self-promises right now?
What is one choice you can make today to fulfill one or more of them?
Happy Journey!
