Carefully Impeccable With My Word

I had an experience last week that highlighted something I’ve really been focused on in my growth. I was talking to my mom’s boyfriend and at the end of the conversation he politely said “Give Irene my best”. I casually told him I would, realized I made a commitment and was on the hook, and texted Irene right away so that I did.

I’ve always been a really reliable person but I’m making an extra effort to be aware of the commitments I’m making. You’d be surprised how much you agree to just in casual conversation! I don’t want to take those off-handed remarks lightly because how you do one thing is how you do everything. 

It’s become a bit of a curse because it makes my conversations way more cognitively demanding. When someone asks if I want ice cream, and I’m limiting my sugar, the right answer is “Yes I want ice cream but I’m choosing not to have it tonight” Is that overboard? Maybe a little, but I’m finding it serves a bigger purpose than most people realize.

When I’m carefully impeccable with my word it forces me to be fully honest. It makes me put more effort into representing my perspective and reality to others. As someone who has inflated details to look good to others, being annoying about my word choice is a matter of self-trust.

If you’re feeling like you aren’t always honest with yourself or others, give this a try just for one day. Make today the day that you mean everything you say, where you intend to follow through on every micro commitment you make, and observe how you feel. It might unlock something for you like it did for me!

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