Learning to Keep Promises to Myself

 

How often do we break promises to ourselves while keeping every commitment we make to others? We say we’ll wake up early, exercise, eat better, or finally start that passion project—yet when life gets busy, those personal commitments are the first to go. I know this because I’ve been struggling with it myself.

Lately, I’ve been realising how much it matters. Every time I let myself down, I chip away at my self-trust. I send the message that my own needs and goals don’t matter as much as other people’s. And that’s a pattern I want to change.


Why It Matters

When we follow through on promises to ourselves—whether small, like drinking more water, or big, like setting boundaries—we prove that we are reliable and worthy of respect.

It’s like building a relationship. If someone constantly let you down, you’d stop trusting them, right? The same applies to the relationship I have with myself. Right now, I’m working on rebuilding that trust, one step at a time.


The Struggle to Follow Through

For years, I put everyone and everything else first. My own needs always seemed less important. And if I’m honest, sometimes I still fall into that trap. But I’ve realised that living with integrity isn’t just about being honest with others—it’s about being honest with myself.

So I’m making a conscious effort to stick to my own commitments. It’s not always easy, and I don’t always get it right, but I’m trying.


Steps I’m Taking to Keep My Promises

1. Starting Small and Being Specific

Instead of vague goals like I’ll exercise more, I say I’ll do a 15-minute workout before coffee. Keeping it simple helps me follow through.

2. Writing Things Down

When I write my commitments down, they feel more real. Whether in a journal or on a sticky note, seeing them in front of me makes a difference.

3. Treating Myself Like a Friend

I wouldn’t constantly let a friend down, so why do it to myself? I’m learning to show myself the same respect and patience I give to others.

4. Not Letting One Slip Turn Into a Spiral

I still have days where I miss the mark, but I’m learning that one bad day doesn’t mean failure. It just means I get back on track the next day.

5. Celebrating Small Wins

Every time I keep a promise to myself, I take a moment to acknowledge it. Because self-trust is built one small step at a time.


The Journey Continues

I’m not perfect at this yet. Some days, I still let myself down. But I’m learning. I’m getting better at showing up for myself, at keeping the small promises that will eventually lead to bigger changes.

So today, I ask myself—and you—what’s one promise we can make to ourselves right now? More importantly, will we keep it? Because we are worth showing up for.

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