Think before you agree to do something and that includes the promises that you make to yourself. If you aren’t sure you can deliver to another person, whether it’s getting a report done or an evening out, don’t brag that you can. We value how others see us. When you’re known as the kind of person who is true to his or her word, your value increases in the eyes of others.
When that happens, you feel better about you. It’s really okay to be sincere with other people, be they customers or team members. I believe it’s a necessity in getting ahead in business and in your personal relationships. Consider how you want to be thought of and act accordingly, even if you have to learn to say no and NOT feel guilty about doing so.
The commitments that you make to yourself are just as important as the commitments made to others. If you tell yourself you're going to tackle a task or a project, do it. It's inaccurate to think those promises or commitments don't count because they're made only to you. The internal and external messages you give to yourself are reflected in your action or inaction.
You evalutate and judge yourself all the time based on what you do. We can be fiercely self-critical of what we see. Your internal critic doesn't need more fuel to hammer you with. Don't be seen as a slouch, with good intentions, but poor follow-through. When it comes to you, be the person, parent, partner, friend, manager or entrepreneur that you can admire.