If you say you're gonna do something, then either do it, or own up and say that you can't do it. Running around the issue, saying things that might not really be true does not endear you to anyone. Neither does hiding the facts. At the same time, doing only part of the work does not free you from the responsibility of doing the rest of the work. People hardly ever want a half product. Even though things might take awhile to do, some shown progress is better than not showing any progress at all. Showing progress means that people actually know that you are at least caring about it. Promises are cheap, and pale against the actual hard truths of the matter. Even though something may not be worth doing, as long as it's being done, you're not just being empty with your words.