Your word.

I didn't understand the importance of this next sentence. A person needs to do what they say they will do. My parents, teachers, friends, family, tutors, role models, business idols and many others tried to point out just how important it was, but somehow (somehow!!) it never really sank in. Heck, it was even presented many different ways, different words, different forms...

'Do what you say, when you say you will do it!'

'Say only what you mean.'

'Be truthful in all things you do.'

and so on and so on....except it never sank in at the core. But I think I got it, I think I can sum it up in a way that will stick :D It came at a really insignificant moment (but this is important). A friend wanted to discuss renting out my apartment for a few months, I was busy and promised to call her back. I realized that the moment I said "OK" to calling her back, the commitment/promise was made. Before me was a fork in the road, two options:

1. Don't call. 

2. Call. 

The first means that I have lost so much. The respect of my friend, her trust in me, her faith in my word and her faith in my commitment to the relationship. Yes, yes, small promise and is an insignificant call-back that important? Well, yes. Why? Look at the second option. With a commitment to call-back being such a small thing yet when fulfilled my friend believes in my commitment to the friendship, my respect for her, my integrity with my word and finally, that I will do what I say I will do. Keep enough small promises (to others and yourself) and they (and you) will start believing when you make the big promises. Over the course of a lifetime, this can pay huge dividends.

Think to yourself, next time you say 'OK', are you going to follow through?