Promises are easily made. Keeping them often proves more difficult
because when we are pressured to strive always for perfection, we find
it simpler to agree to undertake impossible tasks than to say no.
Likewise, there is an infinite array of circumstances that conspire to
goad us into telling falsehoods, even when we hold a great reverence
for truth. When you endeavor to consistently keep your word, however,
you protect your reputation and promote yourself as someone who can be
trusted to be unfailingly truthful. Though your honesty may not always
endear you to others-for there will always be those who fear the
truth-you can nonetheless be certain that your integrity is never
tarnished by the patina of deceit. Since frankness and sincerity form
the basis of all life-enriching relationships, your word is one of your
most precious and powerful possessions.
When we promise more than we can deliver, hide from the consequences of
our actions through falsehoods, or deny our true selves to others, we
hurt those who were counting on us by proving that their faith was
wrongly given. We are also hurt by the lies we tell and the promises we
break. Integrity is the foundation of civilization, allowing people to
live, work, and play side by side without fear or apprehension. As you
cultivate honesty within yourself, you will find that your honor and
reliability put people at ease. Others will feel comfortable seeking
out your friendship and collaborating with you on projects of great
importance, certain that their positive expectations will be met. If
you do catch yourself in a lie, ask yourself what you wanted to hide
and why you felt you couldn't be truthful. And if life's surprises
prevent you from keeping your word, simply admit your error
apologetically and make amends quickly.
Since the path of truth frequently represents the more difficult
journey, embarking upon it builds character. You can harness the power
of your word when you do your best to live a life of honesty and
understand what motivates dishonesty. In keeping your agreements and
embodying sincerity, you prove that you are worthy of trust and
perceive values as something to be incorporated into your daily
existence.