Recently my laptop needed repairs and when I went to pick it up I found that I was about six dollars short of the required payment.  When I told the repairman that he would have the money by evening time, he got a look of disbelief in his eyes and asked with suspicion, “Promise?”  Taken aback, I said, ‘of course.’ Later I sent someone with the money, and the repairman was shocked. He said that no one really comes back in such a situation.  

I am reminded of the numerous times when someone had made a promise only to ignore it later.  A young woman called and said, “Didi Ji, I really need to speak with you. May I come over?” “Well, I am travelling tomorrow, but since it’s very important you may come over.”  We made an appointment but she did not show up. “What happened,” I called her to ask. “Oh, I was tired, so I fell asleep.” That’s it. No apology, no regrets, no phone call to say that she would not be able to come.  

When you give your word, you should be good for it.  When a promise is made, you must do your utmost to fulfill it.  If you cannot fulfill it, don’t make it in the first place. There is no point in saying, “The check is in the mail” if you have not written it yet.  Do not say, “I will be there at 10 am” if you have no intention of being there before noon.

If you are not true to your word, people will lose faith in you at some point.  You may swear up and down that you can be trusted, but your actions will speak louder than your words.


Yours,

Didi Ji