Promises and Integrity: Who cares about the promises of yesterday?
Do you walk your talk?
Walk your talk
Actions that follow words? Authenticity? Walk your talk? In a world in which we are not accustomed to doing that, this is quite remarkable.
Keeping promises
Making promises and keeping promises isn’t the same. Many people promise mountains but deliver molehills.
Although Shakespeare said “a promise made is a debt unpaid”, what is left of this attitude in today‘s world? More widely used today is probably the notion; promises cost nothing. And what about empty promises?
In particular, the advertising industry depicts that no one is bothered about empty promises. Most people don’t take those promises for real. But this isn’t a new phenomenon.
“The message I hear well, but I have a little faith,” said Goethe. We have somehow become used to a lot of promises not being taken seriously. It is assumed that promises won’t be fulfilled or if so, only partly.
In some areas of business and marketing, the number of unrealistic promises made to us is absurd! Who truly believes that even the deepest wrinkles dissolve with anti-wrinkle creams? In TV ads tricks and gimmicks show 12-year-old girls styled as adult women to make mature women believe they can also have younger-looking skin again if they use the advertised miracle product.
Indulgent and largely unrestrained, the promises just keep coming and coming playing on our desires. However, people will see through the empty promises as lies and we won’t trust them anymore.
Those who promise much, forget a lot. Remember that, because promises quickly evaporate. It helps if your promises are quickly forgotten. A decreasing span of attention means promises go unnoticed faster and faster. Don’t worry about what you promised yesterday. This is immensely liberating. Who cares about moral reasoning? The bigger and louder, the better!
Everyone’s a millionaire where promises are concerned.
Ovid
But … Who makes honest promises in this bold way, runs the risk of being unheard. Of not being noticed or taken seriously. In the end, a large volume of promises will be reduced to only a few that you can keep. But there is also an opportunity or chance to hold yourself to those promises and maintain a reputation that you are honest and keep your word. Few, however, are willing to follow this path.
Do not give your word too quickly, so you do not break it; much better is to keep more than you promised.
Friedrich Rückert
It is better to make fewer promises because those who promise too quickly and too often rarely keep them. Actions that follow words? Authenticity? Walk your talk? In a world in which we are not accustomed to doing that, this is quite remarkable.
Just ask me personally
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Message
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
1 Comment
Submit a Comment
17 tips for facial expressions in speeches and presentations
This article deals with what it is worth paying attention to as a speaker concerning facial expressions.
One side of character is integrity
Integrity is an important part of a character. Integrity is a choice we make, and it’s a choice we must keep making, every moment of our lives. Develop and protect your integrity.
Are impatience and laziness cardinal sins?
Do you think that impatience and laziness are sins? Or do you see the good intent?
Help, am I a narcissist? 8 indications that you are not a narcissist
Do you wonder if you are a narcissist yourself? Here are 8 indications that you are not a narcissist.
More contentment through self-acceptance or does that reduce the motivation?
Many people consider discontentment to be the most important motivator. My observation: We are happier when we learn to accept ourselves as we truly are. And we stimulate personal development this way.
Aphantasia: Living without mental images.
Most people consider it normal to be able to visualize. But a small percentage of humanity does not have this ability. We call this Aphantasia. This is what this article is about.
Good fear, bad fear
What are fears and anxiety good for and how to let go of limiting fears?
The strength of character and how to cultivate it. 20 factors
Do you stand up for yourself and your concerns, are you true to your values even when there is a headwind? This article is about 20 elements of character strength and how to cultivate them.
You want to avoid criticism?
Is it really a good idea to avoid criticism at all costs? Could criticism have value?
The importance of showing appreciation: 10 good reasons to show appreciation
We all need to know that we’re important in other people’s lives. We need to be noticed and valued — in private and business life. Why do I believe that it is so important to show appreciation? Because…
Rather SMART goals than unfulfilled wishes. SMART goals make life easier.
Better smart goals than unfulfilled wishes. Well defined goals for better self-management, more effective meetings, negotiations,… Life is much easier when agreements with ourselves and others are made more clearly and realistically.
Are you a good listener? 15 tips for active listening.
Being a good listener can help you to see the world through the eyes of others. It enriches your understanding and expands your capacity for empathy. Listening increases your contact with the outside world by helping you improve your communication skills.
This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.
Published: June 21, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 14, 2019
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#1890
I do!