The Importance of Commitment and Keeping Promises

Welcome back, everyone! Today, on consecutive day 1589 of my journey as a Runpreneur, I want to discuss a topic that’s both close to my heart and essential for all of us to consider: commitment and the significance of sticking to promises we make to others.

I’ve always believed that keeping our commitments is one of the most crucial character traits a person can possess. It’s about honouring our word and demonstrating respect for the time and efforts of others. Sadly, I've noticed that this isn't always the case in the real world.

Far too often, I've encountered situations where people agree to something, block out time in their diaries, and then, at the last minute, decide not to follow through. The knock-on effect of such decisions can be incredibly demoralising for the person who has invested time and effort into making arrangements. It sends a message that their time isn’t valued and that the person cancelling considers their own time more important.

I grew up with the principle of treating people the way I would like to be treated. I firmly believe that respect should be given universally, irrespective of someone’s age, wealth, or status. This rule of thumb has guided me through many social interactions and commitments. There have been numerous occasions where I committed to something and, when the time came, didn't feel like doing it. Yet, out of respect for the other person’s efforts and expectations, I showed up. It's a matter of principle.

Of course, life isn’t always straightforward. There are times when genuine emergencies arise—whether it’s illness, a family emergency, or an urgent work issue. These are valid reasons and understandable exceptions. However, it's worrying when someone seems to have frequent "emergencies" that conveniently excuse them from fulfilling their commitments. Persistent excuses can lead others to question their genuineness, which erodes trust over time.

Recently, I experienced a situation which reminded me of this frustration. While I prefer to avoid conflict, it’s infuriating and disappointing when people fail to honour their commitments. I always aim to communicate my displeasure diplomatically, as I don't want to invite negativity into my life. However, letting things slide repeatedly isn't a sustainable solution either.

So, what’s the takeaway from today’s discussion? If you agree to meet someone or attend an event, uphold that commitment. Emergencies are the exception rather than the norm. Life will occasionally throw unexpected challenges our way, and that's understandable. But consistently failing to live up to your promises indicates a lack of respect both for your time and for others' time.

Before you decide to cancel on someone, take a moment to consider their perspective. How would you feel if the roles were reversed? If a commitment seems daunting, it’s perfectly acceptable to say no upfront or to express uncertainty about your availability. What’s not acceptable is to let someone down at the last minute without a valid reason.

Thank you for listening to my thoughts today. I hope this resonates with many of you, as it's something I see all too often and find immensely frustrating. Remember, maintaining our commitments and respecting each other’s time isn’t just about honouring our word—it’s about fostering trust and mutual respect.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line. And if you believe in my mission of saving children's lives by attempting the ultimate ultra marathon of run vlogging on consecutive days, barefoot and around the world, please give this a subscribed, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and the more lives we save. That’s why I do this every single day.

Thank you for your support. Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

Cheers,

Kevin Brittain