Three miles of retreat

Chong Er, later Duke Wen of Jin, was a wandering exile for years before he became ruler. In one period he was a guest of Duke Cheng of Chu, who treated him well.

The duke asked him what he would do to repay that kindness. Chong Er said: jade and silk and the goods of your court are already in your hands. What could I offer you.

Then he said this: if someday we meet in battle, I will withdraw three miles before we fight.

Years later the two armies did meet, and Jin met the Chu forces at Chengpu. Chong Er ordered his army back three miles.

The officers were appalled. This is an admission of weakness right before a battle. His answer was that he'd promised the man when he had nothing.

He kept the promise and won the battle. The retreat also put his forces on ground he'd prepared.

Both readings are true and they aren't in conflict. Keeping a promise and being tactical about it are the same action taken by a person who expects to be around for a while.

Reputation is what people think about you will do. If your word survives only when it was cheap to keep, it isn't a word.

What did you promise when you had less power than you have now?

MOJOWAY's intake asks for the promises a person made to themselves in a worse year. Worth tracking whether they've kept them.