Commitment is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.; a promise to do or give something; a promise to be loyal to someone or something.
We have all had experiences of someone saying they will call and they don’t. Or they will follow through on a project and they don’t. Or they will get something important finished by a particular time or day and they don’t.
I have heard many times from clients at the first consultation appointment that they are surprised that I showed up and was on time, too. Then they share their stories of people not keeping appointments without calling, not sending bids after they spend the time to meet the client, and not following through on their word. It’s a matter of integrity and trust; making the commitment and following through. I don’t think it’s a regional thing, although I have heard many times that people from “back east” are more ethical and committed to their word.
This behavior seems to be very prevalent in all generations, not just “the younger people.” I see it happening a lot, but it shouldn’t be that way. If you want to feel respected by others, then you need to say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no. When building a relationship with friends or clients, your word should be golden and they can depend on you by your actions, not empty promises.
People who renege on their word do not value themselves enough to act with integrity. Is resistance to being controlled really more important than your self-worth? Are you kidding yourself that you can feel inwardly worthy when you don’t keep your commitments? Self-worth is the result of treating ourselves and others with caring and respect.
Publishing Designers Circle weekly is very time consuming, and has been a major priority in my life, but I made the commitment over 7 years ago to create an interesting go-to publication for the Designer Community. Believe me when I say there are times that sitting at my computer for hours has been challenging, but when I commit to something, I do follow through.
Parts of this article were reprinted from a blog by Margaret Paul, Ph.D., a relationship expert.
Very well put Nancy!