Commitments present themselves in delineations of black and white; after all, you either honor your commitments, or you don’t.

Success is the result of making and keeping commitments to yourself and others, while all failed or unfinished goals, projects, and relationships are the direct result of broken obligations. It’s that simple, that profound, and that important!

A commitment made must become a commitment honored, as each one counts in more ways than you can possibly imagine. Your ability to honor your promises directly impacts your credibility, reputation, trustworthiness, earning ability, and overall peace of mind.

Every day, you make commitments to customers, family members, and associates. Some are explicit, others implied; but each one ultimately results in success or failure.

Nothing builds confidence and loyalty more reliably than a history of well-kept promises; and by the same token, nothing will undermine your reputation faster than a string of broken commitments.

If you look at successful people in any field, you may not discover that they’re necessarily the brightest, best looking, fastest, or strongest of the bunch. What you will find, however, is that they are the ones with the deepest reservoir of commitment. They fully understand that all great accomplishment is preceded by great commitment.

“Disposable” is a word suited to describe many of today’s products. From razors to diapers, from milk cartons to toner cartridges, disposability is being built into the fabric of society.

Have commitments and promises fallen into the same trap? Is it really “no big deal” to make a pledge and then discard it; to make a promise and simply walk away from it?

Commitment is a virtue—one that requires fulfillment and punishes unfaithfulness. A man or woman without their word is fundamentally worthless. It’s like having a permanent stain on your reputation that no amount of bleach could ever remove.

If your word is not supported by action—if you take a cavalier attitude toward your obligations then the party’s over. You may as well stick a fork in your reputation and a knife through your future, because no one will be interested in working with or hiring you.

The person to whom you are promising something must be able to recognize that your word has real value, and that it’s not counterfeit. You certainly don’t give money out to every Tonya, Dick, and Harry; you should treat your promises with the same level of respect.

What you don’t protect, you don’t get to keep and your reputation is a terrible thing to waste.

You had best learn not to say you will deliver on something you know you can’t—whether it’s promising to pay someone back, keep a secret, or saying you’ll do a favor on which you have no intention of following through.

What’s the point of making a commitment or promise if you don’t plan on keeping or honoring it?

The greatest and most unfortunate betrayal is that of oneself. Being able to adhere to our commitments begins with self-respect. When we say one thing and do another—when we start projects but don’t finish them; when we go on a diet but quit soon after beginning— then the only thing at which we become successful is sabotaging our reputation with ourselves.

And when we dishonor our own commitments and lie to ourselves, how on earth can we be expected to honor the commitments we make to others? There is no backdoor to a self-made promise. There is no contractual loophole. Either you maintain the contract, or you are in breach.

By dishonoring your own commitments, you undermine and poison whatever faith you have in your own abilities. A strong, healthy, psychological immune system is essential for success; there’s no better way to ensure that than by making each commitment count.

What kind of person do you want to be known as: someone who has character and a stellar reputation? Or as someone who’s unreliable, untrustworthy … even a quitter?

To hold your head high with dignity and respect...you must adopt The Integrity Pledge.

Download and Save this Integrity Pledge

Commitment is an act of pledging or engaging oneself to do or to perform. Once there is an authentic obligation—rather than just a passing interest—you will find a way to do great things.

To translate your promises into action, and experience total commitment, consider these questions:

• Are you interested in getting in shape, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in simplifying your life, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in spending more time with your kids, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in writing a book, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in spiritual growth, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in improving your marriage, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in paying off your debts, or passionately committed?
• Are you interested in starting your own business, or passionately committed?

Commitment inspires you to perform to the best of your abilities. It protects and strengthens your credibility and reputation with yourself and others. It provides you with passionate energy and unstoppable momentum, and fills you with a sense of pride that’s priceless.

That's precisely why you want to adopt and adhere toThe Integrity Pledge. (link to sharable image page with share functions)

Everything Counts!