Keeping Your Word

In the classic book Mary Poppins, Mary warns the Banks children not to make “a pie-crust promise…easily made, easily broken.” This piece of good advice should be followed more today. There are far too many “pie-crust promises” being given to far too many people. So many promises have been made that were intended to be broken, we seldom really notice any more. A person of their word is a hard thing to find.

People who believe in the Scout Oath & Law should always be people of their word. If you promised something, it is your responsibility to see that the promise is kept. Scottish Poet, Robert Service claimed, “A promise made is a debt unpaid.” Whether it is as simple as promising a meeting time or as detailed as a wedding vow, you must keep your word. There is nothing that speaks of trustworthiness more than the ability to keep your word once it has been given.

“He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its performance.”

Jean Jacques Rousseau

1712-1778

Philosopher

I have had the misfortune to know many people who will make an appointment time and are always late. They think that this is no big deal and are shocked to receive a rebuke from the person waiting. What this tells others is that you cannot be trusted to keep your word and not to depend on you for important things. In business, this can spell disaster. Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, said, “A promise must never be broken.”

Scouts should know that the less you promise, the more freedom you have in life. I am not saying never to make a promise, but when you do, understand that it is for keeps. You cannot promise today what you do not intend to fulfill tomorrow. Be a person of your word, be on time, do what you say you will do, deliver the product or service you say you will when you say you will do it. You will find that people will respect and depend on you. If there is business to be done, most people will do it with the person they trust, even over cost.

Now, allow me to ask you for a promise. I believe you will find this a little burden to bear. It comes from one of my favorite philosophers, Winnie the Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from trouble.”

– Proverbs 21:23

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey