A promise must be about actions: no one can promise to go on feeling a certain way.
This quote essentially means that promises should be centered around actions rather than feelings. Feelings are transient and can change from moment to moment, whereas actions are concrete and measurable. When we make a promise, we are committing ourselves to a specific course of action, regardless of how our feelings may change.
The first part of the quote “A promise must be about actions” underscores the importance of commitment in our daily lives. It suggests that when we make a promise, it’s not just about saying words but also about following through with tangible deeds.
The second part “no one can promise to go on feeling a certain way” highlights the impermanence and unpredictability of emotions. As human beings, our emotions fluctuate based on various factors such as our physical health, environment or experiences. Therefore promising to maintain a particular emotional state is unrealistic and unreliable.
Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development would mean focusing more on what we do rather than what we feel. For example, instead of promising someone you will always love them (which is an emotion), you could promise to always treat them with kindness and respect (which are actions).
Moreover, it encourages us to take responsibility for our actions rather than blaming circumstances or emotions for not fulfilling promises. This perspective fosters personal growth as it pushes us towards consistency between words and deeds – an essential trait for building trust in any relationship whether professional or personal.
In essence, while emotions form an integral part of human existence they should not become the foundation upon which promises are built due to their ever-changing nature; instead promises ought be anchored on steadfast actions which offer reliability despite changing emotional landscapes.