3 Ways to Keep a Promise to Yourself

It must be that time of the year as it seems like everyone is talking about New Year’s Resolutions! I prefer to use the word intention or promise. Subsequently in this post I am going to share –

• What is a Promise?
• 9 Inspiring Quotes about Promises
• 3 Ways to Keep a Promise to Yourself
• Promise Yourself

What is a Promise?

Many of us are familiar with the promises that are made at weddings, however what is an actual definition of a promise? There are many definitions, including –

• “A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give.” ~ Wikipedia
• “a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future.” ~ Merriam-Webster
• “a declaration of something that will or will not be done, given etc., by one.” ~ Dictionary.com
• “indication of future excellence or success.”~ The Free Dictionary
• “to tell someone that you will certainly do something.” ~ Cambridge Dictionaries Online

The origin of the word promise is from Medieval Latin – prōmissa, meaning to send forth.

9 Inspiring Quotes about Promises

1. “The first and best victory is to conquer self.” ~ Plato
2. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” ~ Amelia Earhart
3. “For every promise, there is a price to pay.” ~ Jim Rohn
4. “All promise outruns performance.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” ~ Confucius
6. “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” ~ George Washington
7. “When you make a promise, keep it.” ~ Zig Ziglar
8. “Promise a lot and give even more.” ~ Anthony J D’Angelo
9. “Your capacity to keep your vow will depend on the purity of your life.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

What is your favourite promise quote?

3 Ways to Keep a Promise to Yourself

There are a number of ways to help ensure you keep a promise to yourself and align your intentions with your behaviour. 3 ways to keep a promise to yourself are –

1. Be clear about your promise and what you will do. What are your promising yourself? How will you know when you have fulfilled your promise? How will you feel when you accomplish your promise?
2. Chart your promise. Every step towards your promise counts, so make sure you chart them. Charting your promise can help with your motivation and getting through those challenging times that often occur when you are making changes. In our toolkit, we have a habit tracking sheet, that could help you.
3. Find an accountability buddy. Sometimes it is easier to keep a promise to other people, so why not find an accountability buddy to help your keep your promise to yourself?

Promise Yourself

I love the following poem that was originally published in 1912 in a book titled Your Forces and How to Use Them, called Promise Yourself by Christian D. Larson.

“To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all of your friends feel as though there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a cheerful smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticise others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you”.

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?

Also if you feel like you want to make a promise, feel free to join one of our (un)learning circles.