Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I guess that is sparkling...

I guess that is sparkling…

I snapped this lovely picture in a local chain’s bathroom this past Saturday. I’m not sure how serious this sign really is. It’s like the old saying “actions speak louder than words.”

Which brings me to a song that started playing in my head: “Louder Than Words” by Celldweller.

 I’m watching
Listening
The volume’s always the same

Actions speak louder than words do
I don’t want to hear dead words from you
Actions speak louder than words do
I just want to see what you will do

This led me to thinking about the Types of People that Talk a Good Talk

 1. The People Pleaser (good intentions, but overburdened)

 2. The Braggart (no intentions to follow through, just want to impress with big talk)

 3. The Dreamer (well intentioned, but no action)

 4. The Delusional (Wants to do it at the moment, but is like a wave blown back and forth by the wind and is prone to changing their mind)

Any of these descriptions sound familiar? Maybe you immediately thought of names or saw faces when reading each of the descriptions.

Now which of these do you fall into?

I know I struggle the most with being a People Pleaser. I don’t like saying no, so I can find myself in situations where I have over committed before I realize it.

The truth is that from time to time, we all let others down, often unintentionally. If you think you have never let anyone down, you might want to check and see if those around you share the same opinion.

Now that I have made you feel great about yourself, let’s move on.

Part of being able to Walk the Talk, starts with admitting when shortcomings happen, understanding why it happened, and doing your best to avoid a future repeat of the situation.

Here are just a few ideas how to do this:

People Pleasers – learn to say no. We say yes to avoid disappointing someone, but think how disappointed they will be when you cannot deliver because you are over committed. Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Cloud is a good read.

Braggarts – Talk less. Listen more. Realize no one really cares what you say you are going to do, they just care what you actually will accomplish. Consider checking How To Win Friends and Influence People  by Dale Carnegie.

Dreamers – all the intention in the world will not bring about any of the success that actually doing something will. Figure out what is holding you back from leaping into action, then consider picking up Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters by Jon Acuff.

Delusionals – Sorry, I’ve got nothing.

Actually that is not true, but I’m sure you won’t like it too much. Take personal responsibility for what you say you are going to do, then deliver on it. QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life by Miller is a great book that I have referenced before, and I cannot recommend it enough.

So did I miss a type of good talker? Maybe you would like to offer a suggestion on how to move from talking to walking?

I’d love to hear from you – please leave a comment below.