The Power of Keeping Small Promises to Yourself
When we think about growth in business, entrepreneurship, or even personal life, we often focus on big goals—landing major contracts, hitting revenue targets, or scaling our construction companies. But here’s the truth: it’s not the big promises that shape our lives; it’s the small ones we make to ourselves daily.
How many times have you said, “I’m going to wake up early tomorrow,” or “I’ll finally finish that project proposal,” only to break that commitment? These seemingly minor letdowns stack up. They chip away at our confidence and sense of integrity. The frustration, the feeling of being stuck, the nagging voice in your head—that comes from not keeping those little promises.
I’ve been there. For years, I promised myself I’d start a podcast. I even began one about seven years ago but dropped it after a few episodes. Not because I didn’t have the ideas or passion, but because I was afraid. Afraid of what people would think. Afraid of judgment. And you know what? That fear led to broken promises—promises I made to myself.
The lesson I’ve learned? Happiness comes from doing what you said you’d do. It’s not tied to external achievements like money, success, or recognition. Sure, those things feel great, but they don’t fill the gap left by self-betrayal. You can have millions in the bank, but if you constantly break your own commitments, you’ll still feel unfulfilled.
In construction, this lesson applies just as much. You might set big goals for your company—expanding into new markets, winning prestigious projects—but it’s the daily actions that matter. Did you follow up with that potential client? Did you send out that bid on time? Did you hold your team accountable for site cleanliness? These small actions, when consistently honored, build trust—not just with others, but with yourself.
Here’s what keeping small promises does:
Builds Self-Trust: Every time you follow through, you reinforce the belief that you’re reliable—not just to others, but to yourself.
Creates Momentum: Small wins stack up. One completed task leads to another, and before you know it, you’re in a flow.
Boosts Confidence: Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s earned through consistent action, even when no one is watching.
The lesson here is simple: Show up for yourself. Whether it’s going to the gym, making that sales call, or committing to personal growth, keep those little promises. Not for anyone else—but for you. And as for everyone else’s opinions? They don’t matter. What matters is the integrity you build within yourself.
