I SWEAR!

So it's the new year and we all have our resolutions to maintain, our finances to rebuild and our goals to reach.  Through all the sacrifices that we make to further our careers the one thing we must never sacrifice is our credibility...our word...our honor.  A contract between two parties is an agreement to honor our word.  We say what we'll do and then do what we say we'll do.  Pretty simple.  However, more and more we see folks consider a contract as a guideline.  Something to aspire to but not obligated to.  Look at the rate of divorce.  I'm not here to argue the merits of divorce, but I know for myself, I take my vows very seriously and after nearly 20 years I can honestly say there are times I feel tested.  But nobody said it would be easy.  How many folks take on mortgages, agreeing to pay and then when it gets a little rough, walk away.  Our political halls are filled with empty promises and our response ...what do you expect, they're politicians.  We've learned to accept...or rather... expect broken promises.  We live in a litigious society and in the end the lawyers win.  How many times do we hear "the label ripped me off", "the promoter didn't honor the contract", "The manager didn't deliver".  But the issue isn't about what someone did to you.  It's what you do.  I guarantee you'll get ripped off.  It's inevitable.  Those are things that are sometimes out of your control.  But what you can control is how you treat others and how you honor your agreements.    Keep this in mind the next time you sign an agreement or the next time you make a promise.  You're only as good as your word. I swear!