This was one of my mother’s favorite sayings – to her, keeping your word was the hallmark of a good person. It’s also in a book I love called Mommilies (https://momilies.net) – things your mother used to say, some of which apply to work. Saying you’re going to do something creates expectations, a reliance that you’ll finish it, other companion actions, and countless ripple effects if you don’t finish it – one of which is that people won’t trust your subsequent promises. I once saw a survey that claimed the #1 reason people were or were not loyal to their boss was based on whether they did what they said. Remember: you always have a chance to consider whether to make a promise like this – before you do, consider all the circumstances, get advice if needed, and let others know if and why you can’t or won’t; but once you do, finish it. And if for some reason you then can’t finish, let everyone know immediately. Don’t be so cavalier about making promises – too often, people say yes to something before thinking it all the way through. I’m sometimes guilty of that. But if you do say yes, give it your all and finish it. Don’t dawdle – that’ll only make you feel worse. Finish what you start today.
Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD): Greek Stoic philosopher.
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