Terry McDaniel

Back in the day, we didn’t need a stack of paperwork, fancy contracts, or dozens of signatures to make a deal. A handshake was enough. You looked a man in the eye, you gave your word, and that was as solid as oak.

Now, times have changed. We live in a world of digital agreements and fine print, but one truth remains the same: your word is your bond.

Why Your Word Still Matters

• Trust is priceless. When people know you’ll do what you say, they don’t just respect you—they rely on you.
• Character speaks louder than talk. Anyone can make promises, but it’s keeping them that sets you apart.
• It builds lasting relationships. Deals, friendships, marriages—everything strong is built on trust.

Living It Out Today

You don’t need to live in the past to carry forward old-school values. Being on time, following through, and keeping promises—big or small—still matters.

A handshake might not close every deal anymore, but the principle behind it is timeless: be a person of your word.

People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget if they could count on you. Don’t let convenience or shortcuts steal your integrity. Keep your word, even when it’s hard.

Because in the end, your word is worth more than gold—and it’s the one thing you can’t buy back once it’s broken.

We’re often our own harshest critics. That little voice in your head can be quick to point out flaws, mistakes, or shortcomings. But here’s a question worth asking: would you ever talk to a friend the way you sometimes talk to yourself?

Imagine a close friend came to you and said, “I messed up today. I feel like I’m not good enough.” You wouldn’t respond with, “You’re right, you’re terrible at this.” Of course not. You’d remind them of their strengths, encourage them to keep going, and give them grace for being human.

So why not offer yourself the same kindness?

Talking to yourself as you would to a friend means replacing self-criticism with compassion. Instead of saying, “I can’t believe I failed again,” try, “I’m learning. This is part of the process.” Instead of thinking, “I’ll never be good at this,” remind yourself, “I’m still growing, and every step forward counts.”

The way we speak to ourselves matters. Words can either build us up or break us down, and since we spend more time with our own thoughts than anyone else, practicing gentle, encouraging self-talk can make a big difference.

Next time you catch that critical inner voice, pause and ask yourself: If my best friend said this to me, how would I respond? Then, give yourself that same answer.

You deserve the same kindness you so freely give to others.