Sounds like a great line spoken at a key moment of a great action flick, doesn't it? Unfortunately, this phrase has almost been reduced to just that, something heard in a piece of fiction. Gone are the days when a commitment and a handshake were the sort of contract one would never think of breaking.

Today, in business, as well as in our personal lives, plans, deals, contracts, and promises are all too often broken without being given a second thought. It has become commonplace to write off the failure to follow through as oversight and dismiss the rule rather than make it the exception. When, and how, did this happen?

I was speaking with the owner of another business a few days ago; he was complaining about work and said, "As I was looking at our company receivables, I caught myself viewing invoices owed by customers within ten days of receipt. Many of these outstanding balances were ballooning to forty-five, sixty, ninety days and worse. I had been forced to accept this as business as usual!" ?

This statement made me look at this phenomenon in other areas of our lives. Financial, time, assistance, and participatory commitments by friends and family are also often brushed off when "something came up" ? or mere forgetfulness pass as valid excuses for not following through on our word.

We have structured contracts full of binding language, created day-timers, and developed software to keep us honest and remind us of promises we have made. Yet, some continue to find ways and even thrive on breaking their word. Enough! When you say you are going to do something, do it. Whether you agree verbally or in writing, follow through and be true to your word.

Sure, things beyond our control can sometimes get in the way, but honestly aren't these occurrences few and far between? We allow ourselves to get overextended with our time and our money. Take control of both, and only promise to do what you know you can.

Somewhere, someone is counting on you to fulfill a commitment you have given to him or her. Will you chose to honor it and them or find a way to "understandably" ? let them down. We often promise something because it seems like a good idea at the time or we know that it is what someone wants or needs to hear. When we fail to deliver, the repercussions are far worse than if we had honestly declined in the first place.

I encourage you to take a moment and think about the people you respect and trust the most, and I would bet that, without exception, their word is sacred to you.