One of the best ways to understand an idea is to think about its opposite. This exercise is especially helpful in thinking about what it means to be reliable. 

For example, if you’ve ever broken your foot or sprained your ankle, you completely understand what UNreliable means. You cannot depend on that leg to get you where you need to go without the help of a boot or cast or crutch! You can’t lean on it. You certainly can’t trust it. 

Reliability is the opposite of these things. If you’re reliable, you can be counted on to do the job you’ve been asked to do. You can be trusted to keep a promise or secret. Your friends and family know they can call you when they need help. 

Reliability is an aspect of trust and confidence we rarely think about, but rely on quite frequently. One simple way to be considered reliable at work, is to simply show up on time. Think about other ways you can become a more reliable employee, spouse, or friend. 

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found in gaining the confidence and respect of others by being reliable.