The Importance of Keeping Promises

Trust is a delicate currency—hard-earned and easily spent. At its core, it’s built on two key pillars: consistency and reliability. When you keep your promises, you reinforce the kind of trust that sustains both personal and professional relationships. Break them too often, though, and the damage can be hard to undo.

Let’s explore why keeping promises matters—and how to protect the trust others place in you (and the trust you hold within yourself).

Why Keeping Promises Is So Powerful

Every time you make a promise, you set an expectation. Whether it’s a simple favor or a serious commitment, someone is trusting you to follow through. When you do, you’re not just being polite—you’re proving that your word is worth something.

And here’s the kicker: keeping promises doesn’t just strengthen relationships—it also strengthens you. Your self-esteem gets a quiet boost every time your actions align with your intentions. When you’re reliable, people respect you. But when you’re reliable to yourself, that’s when confidence really starts to build.

When Promises Break, So Does Trust

Even with good intentions, breaking a promise chips away at credibility. Maybe you meant to help. Maybe life got in the way. Maybe you forgot. But to the person on the other side, those broken promises accumulate into a narrative of unreliability.

We’ve all been there—making a commitment in the moment that we later can’t uphold. The fix? Be intentional with your “yes.” And when you can’t follow through, be honest and early with your communication. A heads-up goes a long way toward saving trust.

Don’t Overcommit (Even If You Really Want To)

One of the biggest trust killers? Overcommitment. Especially for those of us who genuinely want to help everyone. (Hello, recovering people-pleasers 👋)

Saying yes to everything stretches you too thin. Before you know it, you’re scrambling—and dropping balls you never meant to.
Be realistic with your time. Protect your energy. It’s better to deliver on fewer promises than to fail at many.

This is why I created tools like The Hustle Detox Journal—because learning to say “not right now” with grace can be just as powerful as saying “yes.”

Follow Through (or Follow Up)

If you make a promise, honor it. Small or big, casual or formal, your word has weight. And if something changes? Say so. Don’t ghost. Don’t wait. Transparency preserves respect—even when the plan has to shift.

People don’t expect perfection, but they do remember how you make them feel. Being accountable when things go sideways often means more than getting it right the first time.

Trust Is a Mirror—Handle With Care

Keeping promises is more than a social nicety—it’s an identity builder. It tells the world: I show up when I say I will. And when others see that, they begin to rely on you. Trust you. Respect you.

More importantly, you trust you.

And that’s what turns promises into power.

📍Looking to strengthen your sense of self-trust?
Start with this post on How to Look Put-Together Every Day—because sometimes the promises we break are the ones we make to ourselves.

✨ Explore more free tools, resources, and social connections at Voguegenics.bio

✨ Explore the whole series on Trust.

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Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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