Breaking Promises to Ourselves:

We all know the importance of keeping promises to others, but what about the promises we make to ourselves? When we consistently break commitments to ourselves, we're not just letting ourselves down - we're slowly chipping away at our self-worth and faith in our own abilities. This silent erosion can have serious long-term consequences, but there are steps we can take to rebuild self-trust and reclaim our sense of self-worth.

I noticed this on holiday in December. Friends staying with us promised to set their alarms and go for a brisk 60-minute walk each morning. For three days straight, I heard their alarms go off multiple times. I'd return from my run to find them sluggishly making coffee and eating rusks. This is what we call 'Breaking Promises to Ourselves'. It's not a great way to 'thrive in 2025'.

Undermining Self-Trust
Every time we break a promise to ourselves, whether it's skipping a workout, procrastinating on a project, or neglecting self-care, we're sending a powerful message to our subconscious: our word to ourselves doesn't matter. This repeated pattern of self-betrayal gradually erodes our self-trust and confidence, creating a shaky foundation for our self-esteem.

The Cycle of Self-Doubt - as we continue to break promises to ourselves, we enter a vicious cycle:

• We set a goal or make a commitment to ourselves
• We fail to follow through
• We experience disappointment and self-doubt
• Our confidence in our abilities diminishes
• We become less likely to set future goals or make commitments
• This cycle can lead to a pessimistic outlook on life, where we begin to doubt our own intentions and potential.

The Long-Term Consequences = Stagnation and Disengagement
When we no longer trust ourselves to follow through on commitments, we may stop setting goals altogether. This disengagement can lead to a stagnant existence, devoid of personal growth and fulfillment.

Erosion of Self-Worth
Our self-worth is intricately linked to our ability to keep promises to ourselves. When we consistently break these promises, we're essentially telling ourselves that we're not worthy of the time, effort, or resources required to fulfill our own needs and desires.

Breaking the Cycle: Rebuilding Self-Trust
1. Start Small: Begin with small, achievable promises and follow through.
2. Plan It Out: Create detailed plans for your goals, breaking larger ones into manageable steps.
3. Take Your Goals Seriously: Treat promises to yourself as importantly as those made to others.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: If you slip up, avoid harsh self-criticism. Instead, show understanding and recommit to your goal.

This positive cycle empowers us to set and achieve bigger goals, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life.

‍