A man's word is the only thing he issues that other people treat as currency. Its value comes entirely from his history of honouring it.
Part 01
The lesson
The fix for an unreliable man is usually not more willpower — it is promising less. Say no more often, be specific about what you are agreeing to, and when you cannot deliver, tell the person early rather than letting a deadline pass in silence.
Part 02
In practice
'I'll try to make it' is not a commitment; it is a way of avoiding one. Either say 'I'll be there at seven' or say 'I can't come this time.'
Reflection
Questions to sit with
- 01Do your private decisions match the man you present publicly?
- 02What do you do when nobody is watching?
- 03Can people depend on your word?
Put it into practice
Action points
- 01For seven days, write down every commitment you make out loud, and mark each one kept or broken. Read the list at the end of the week without excuses.
- 02Pick one habit you have avoided and shrink it until it takes under five minutes. Do it daily for two weeks before making it bigger.