Have you ever made an “Inner Vow”?
- “I will never be like him”
- “I will never cheat on my spouse”
- “I would never do that”
- “I will never treat my friends that way”
Typically, promises like these represent a passionate attempt to hold fast to certain values or commitments.
They also all but guarantee the opposite outcome.
Why? False security. When I make an “Inner Vow” like this, I’m actually just attempting to secure a certain outcome. When I then trust that imaginary security, I rely on it and become blind to the risk. Now let me ask you: who is in greater danger?
- The man who vows to never be caught unawares
- The man who knows he could
My advice: Don’t make promises to yourself or anyone else. Promises are the blustery understudy of actions. Make choices.