Merriam-Webster defines the word promise as “a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.”
We know that promises are intended to hold weight. Whether we make one to someone else or someone makes one to us, we expect it to be fulfilled.
When we keep our promises we let the recipients know that they can rely on us. They can trust that we will live up to what we say. They know that we care about them.
We may not always be in the mood to live up to the promises we make when the time comes, but if we care about the relationship, we do what it takes to fulfill the promise.
Yet, when we make a promise to ourselves we often don’t put the same pressure on ourselves to live up to it.
Why don’t we care about letting ourselves down?
I recently read an motivational book called Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. The book discusses this concept in great detail and it challenged me to think question how serious I am about the promises I make to myself.
I thought about how many times I have told myself “I will go for a run, tomorrow.” “I will skip dessert, tomorrow.” “I will fold the laundry, later.”
Three months ago, Rachel Hollis shared a post on Instagram that elaborated on this concept with a challenge.
The challenge was to make a promise to yourself for 30 days and NOT break it no matter what. It could be as small as using one-less sugar packet in your coffee or waking up five minutes earlier than usual to set an intention for the day.
The point of the challenge wasn’t the size of task. The point was to commit to keeping a promise to yourself.
To prove that you are capable of being as reliable to yourself as you are to others.
A good way to do this is to start with something small that you feel confident you can push yourself to do (or not do) each day. I chose 25 squats because I knew it would take less than two minutes.
I understood the importance of starting with an “easy” promise when we were faced with seven doctors appointments, three ER visits, and one trip to urgent care in a two week stretch.
Despite the rocky days, I convinced myself to find a minute to do my squats each day. At the end of the month I was encouraged by my ability to commit to myself. It was an empowering feeling and I decided to make a bigger promise the following month.
I have been making fitness-related promises. The first month I just wanted to prove I could do it. The second month, I wanted to prove I could commit to something a bit more challenging. As I finish my third month, I actually look forward to my exercise. I have started to view it less as a promise and more of a habit.
I feel like this 30-day challenge is changing my life. Not because my specific promise is life-altering, but because knowing that I can keep my word to myself, is.
Have you struggled with keeping a promise to yourself ? Consider starting a personal challenge.
If 30 days seems too much, try a week. If even that seems too much. Just try one day.
If you can make it through one day, you can draw on that accomplishment as proof that you can do it the next day.
Please let me know if you start your own challenge!
