February 1, 2008

Commitment
My father’s word was as good as a written contract. I wonder how many people mean what they say? I’ll call you tonight, but no call is made. I’ll come over Sunday, but never show up. I am told that this is just a cultural way of saying, “see you soon”. Have we gone so far afield that we brandy phrases around with no awareness of their meaning?

However, that lack of substance carries over to other areas. In my thirty year practice I am well aware that approximately 50% of the perspective clients who make appointments never show up nor call to say that they have changed their minds. It does not seem to occur to them that they have prevented another individual from having that time.

Commitment in marriages from some of the population also seems to mean as long as I am attracted to you, as long as everything is not too difficult to handle, as long as I am not bored etc., etc.

In order to be good to your word, think about it means. If you tell someone you will see them and don’t show up, think about how that person rearranged their life to be available for you. That goes for personal and professional commitments. How amazed would you be if the physician, or the hair stylist ignored your appointment time and took off to enjoy life?

Why not make a New Year’s resolution to make certain that you are as good as your word.