Page 119 - YOU CAN WIN - SHIV KHERA

RokZRooM Special ! You Can Win by Shiv Khera

Refrain from indulging in gossip. Remember, small talk comes out of big mouths.

Step 15: Turn Your Promises into Commitments

What is the difference between a promise and a commitment? A promise is a statement
of intent. A commitment is a promise that is going to be kept no matter what. In the no
matter what, I exclude illegal and immoral things. Commitment comes out of character
and leads to conviction.
Can you imagine what kind of a world it would be if no one made a commitment to one
another? What would happen to relationships between

♦ spouses?
♦ employers and employees?
♦ parents and children?
♦ students and teachers?
♦ buyers and sellers?

Uncommitted relationships are pretty shallow and hollow. They are a matter of
convenience and are temporary. Nothing lasting has ever been created without
commitment.
Commitment says, "I am predictable in the unpredictable future."
Many people confuse commitment with confinement. That really is not true. Commitment
does not take away freedom; it actually gives more freedom because it gives a sense of
security.
The most important commitment we ever make is to our values. That is why it is
imperative to have the right value system. For example, if I committed myself to support a
leader who later becomes a drug dealer, do I continue my commitment? Not at all.

Commitment leads to enduring relationships through thick and thin. It shows in a person's
personality and relationships.

Step 16: Be Grateful But Do Not Expect Gratitude

Gratitude is a beautiful word. We must be thankful. Gratitude is a feeling. It improves our
personality and builds character. Gratitude develops out of humility. It is a feeling of
thankfulness toward others. It is conveyed through our attitude towards others and
reflects in our behavior. Gratitude does not mean reciprocating good deeds because
gratitude is not give and take. A good deed cannot be canceled by a counter act. Things
such as kindness, understanding, and patience cannot be repaid. What does gratitude
teach us? It really teaches us the art of cooperation and understanding. Gratitude must
be sincere. A simple thank-you can be gracious. Many times we forget to be thankful to
the people closest to us, such as our spouse, our relatives, our friends. Gratitude would
rank among the top qualities that form the character and personality of an individual with
integrity. Ego stands in the way of showing gratitude. A gracious attitude changes our
outlook in life. With gratitude and humility, right actions come naturally.
Gratitude ought to be a way of life, something which we cannot give enough of. It can
mean a smile, or a thank you, or a gesture of appreciation.

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