''One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.''
We all know people who do what they say they're going to do and those who we say to ourselves, yea I'll believe it when I see it. It's easy to entrust someone with a task or favor, if we believe in what they say they will do. Our word is our bond to others. If you say it, fulfill it. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Its better not to over extend yourself in commitments than to agree on something and disappoint those counting on you. It used to be that a handshake and your word was as good as a written legal document. Where has our word gone?
Yes, life happens and things get bumped but we all can be understanding and forgiving to those situations. For the most part tho, we need to be people that can be trusted to do what we said we'd do.
The following I copied from Todd Smith's website.
Starting today, become a person who lives up to your word and does what you say you will even when circumstances change.
Uphold your word with a good attitude. Remember that it was you who said “yes” in the first place.
Take every opportunity to learn from your commitments so that you can make better decisions in the future.
Finally, do you have any unfulfilled commitments? Do them now. You will feel better.
Keeping your word is one of the most effective ways to earn the respect of others and build a solid reputation, both personally and professionally.