"Actions speak louder than words."
We live in a world of noise. Everywhere, people shout their intentions and opinions. Yet ironically, silence is the loudest of them all. As a result, genuine silence has become nearly impossible to find. Everyone needs to be online and active. But does all that activity make them reachable? We have all experienced that one. Technology companies tell us we’re all connected and yet so many people are absent. The noise consumes them, and they wear blinkers.
People are easily distracted and cannot focus on simple things anymore. This is also reflected in the lack of action. In other words people talk the talk but do not walk the walk.
Have you noticed the number of people who keep saying they will do things and yet nothing happens and it vanishes.
Sadly, this also applies to the promises people make to each other. In the past, a promise used to mean something sacred – something that we could count on actually happening. However, this is not the case anymore. It seems to be easy to make a promise and almost impossible to keep it. This could be something simple like a call or a text the following day or important things like turning up for an event to show support.
The psychology of trust
Admittedly, society uses words and they do have power. However, humans prioritize actions to prove the value and character of a person. Words are cheap and require very little effort or energy. People say or type things and immediately forget them. By contrast, actions require time, energy, risk and a desire to do it in the first place. A commitment to the action itself. A way of honouring the promise. Ultimately, this is a way of building trust between the two parties.
Real world examples
There are so many that it would make the post too long. Still, we can all think of some right now.
Corporate: A company promising sustainability, but failing to reduce waste even after many years. They may make the promise again with a time frame of 5 years and hope that no one holds them accountable.
Personal: A friend who repeatedly stated they care about you but they never show up when you need them.
Historical: Leaders who have made so many promises to be elected and yet once they are in they never do any of them. Their deeds – not their speeches – define their legacies. Regrettably, it can be many years before their actions are truly understood.
The gap analysis
The big question is have they actually understood the situation and want to follow through with what they have offered? Or do they just want to say the words to placate us and make us trust them that they will do the right thing. They are using the right words and the phrases that we desperately want to hear.
But why do they say one thing and yet do another, or nothing at all? Are they afraid of the effort, too lazy or never intended to do it?
These are questions only they can answer and that is only if they are honest with themselves.
Most sadly of all, they do not realise they have lost – or are on the way of losing our trust in them as actions speak louder than words.
How to align them
In life we cannot control what other people say or do. Some people think they have the power or control and can do so much damage in the process. We have all been there at a point in our lives when we have been struggling or stressed and someone in your community passes some remarks that make you think ok. They get me, they are offering some support. However, you find out again these words were only spoken in public to make them seem like a good person. In fact, they had no intention of following through. Action was not part of their intention.
How can we change our mindset or expectations? Simply learn through the actions of other people. Ask yourself: are they true to their word or not.
Actions speak louder than words
Consequently, in today’s busy world where talk is cheap, actions are becoming rare and worth so much more.
People find it easy to talk about things and have no intention of doing anything about it. The action part is like a foreign thing to them and requires too much energy and time. As a result, they are not willing to sacrifice that for anything.
Life is a learning process and we do notice things. We remember the people who only talk about things and then we smile as we think of the people who don’t talk much about things, Instead, they are just there doing things. Often in the background and not looking for public recognition. In fact, selfies are not taken and it is not posted online for anyone else. Their actions speak so much louder. They have offered their help or their support and followed through. As a result, the trust between you and them can grow and deepen.
Similarly, a company that rewards their loyal customers is rare nowadays. Yet, when one does this the benefits are huge. As a result, customers build a trust in the company that they are valued as clients. When they are needed the company is there for them. The actions of the company following through in their promise of customer service is golden.
Now, after all this talk about the actions of others and how you may be impacted by their lack of it, how do you fare yourself?
Do you think you are a person who can be trusted – someone whose actions speak volumes? Challenge yourself to identify one promise that you have made to yourself or others and think about what you did with it? Did you follow through?
Then, think about some concrete steps you can make to fulfill that today.
Maybe it takes one person to break through.
Let your actions speak louder than words today.
