Back in the “Old Days”, contracts were less sophisticated and MUCH less numerous. People did most of their business on a handshake, and their word was their bond. Most of the commerce that took place in this country and around the world was done on a handshake. Today, the loophole is king. Attorneys and businesspeople actually seek out loopholes in contracts in order to break or avoid commitments outlined by the contracts. Change of mind seems to be an acceptable reason for just about anything. Today, the legal system is where our world turns for every kind of dispute imaginable, and the lawyers are the ones getting rich!
But there was a day when reputation and commitment meant something. When people made promises, they kept their word. Period. Folks believed in honor, honesty, dependability, responsibility. They suffered the ill effects of poor decisions quietly, chalking it up to experience and avoiding the same circumstances in the future. No wailing and crying and placing of blame elsewhere, just acceptance of fault and movement forward. I’m not sure what has happened, but we seem to have gotten weak as a country. I have my suspicions as to why, but that’s a topic for another day. What about your word? Do you keep your promises? Are you cautious about what you promise so as not to overreach? Have you earned the respect of others regarding your commitments? do you look for loopholes, or do you have broad shoulders to carry the burden of the mistakes and commitments you make?
Respect is a powerful asset. Earn yours. Make your word your bond.
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