How to Practice What You Preach

Practicing what you preach is like living by a code. Learn how to do what you say you will do and why it is exceedingly important in your personal and business life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Learning to commit to what you have stated in an excellent way of leaving a good lasting impression or to redeem yourself from a bad situation.
   When you tell someone that you are going to do it you need to follow through. Obviously there will be times when you cannot by reasons beyond your control. While that does occur, it should not happen on a frequent basis.
2. When you give your word to a situation or a commitment, it should be done despite the fact that you may have changed your mind or the ingredients were there that seemed right at the time and now are not. What exactly am I stating?
   If you promised someone that you would do something for them, it’s best to do it. Several years ago an ex-brother in law promised my ex wife (wife at the time) that he would take us somewhere that we really needed to go. At that juncture we did not have a car and we were struggling to make ends meet.
3. He told us on that certain date, he would provide transportation. When the date came and it was time to go, he started complaining to us how he had to take us. Originally it was his idea to help us out and we were very appreciative. I was taken aback when he started to renege on his promise. I avoid conflict except when it hurts someone I like or love so I stepped in and verbally let him have it. He conceded that he was wrong and reluctantly took us. He did that to us several times until we got a vehicle. Ironically shortly thereafter he needed transportation because his car was in the shop. I offered to help him out and had no issues when the time came to drive him to the shop. I value my word.
4. When you give your word it is a bond between you and that person. I try to keep it at all costs. I try not to make promises that I can’t keep. Sometimes circumstances are beyond your control and they must be dealt with. If you cannot keep your promise, the second you are cognizant of that fact, call the person and let them know. I would rather someone be upset when I tell them the truth than avoid the situation all together and you end up losing a friend. Practicing what you preach is an important element of any friendship. It could salvage a friendship, create new ones or leave an impression that you can be trusted. Living up to your word is like a code of honor. It should be respected and acted upon.

Tips & Warnings

• Letting people know how you feel and show how much you really care.
• Try diplomacy before you become argumentative.
• If you display any temper, curb it.