Actions v. Words

I've been thinking lately about actions v. words in several different contexts.  In the health sense, there are those who say they want to get healthy, talk about getting healthy, but fail to take any action to make it happen.  In the relationship sense, there are those who talk a big game about trust and care, yet fail to do the actions to support their words.  In the "people in general" sense, there are those who talk and talk about their plans, ideas, what they will do, but seem to always fall short or simply never follow through when needed.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Your actions speak so loudly that I cannot even hear a word you’re saying.”  Wow.  I think that'll preach.

I recently watched the movie, The Glass Castle.  I had read, and loved, the book by Jeanette Walls when it came out.  If you haven't read it, or seen the movie, please do!  In the memoir, Rex Walls, played by Woody Harrelson, spends his entire life drawing up elaborate and detailed plans for a home made from glass he was going to build for his family.  Though brilliant,  Rex was an alcoholic who could not keep a job or take care of his family.  His children did a remarkable job of fending for themselves, putting themselves through college and moving on while Rex and his wife wound up homeless, squatting in New York City.  I cannot imagine what it must have been like for those children to listen for years to all of the talk with no actions.

What we do defines who we are, not our words. What we actually do - our habits, behaviors, actions are what make us who we are.  The things we say, stories we tell, ideas that remain in words,  really mean nothing.  To be believed and trusted,  those words need to be backed up with actions.In thinking about this lately, I wonder what makes one a person of action v. a person of inaction.In my coaching business I see both.  I recently worked with a client who came in with a list of goals.  We worked over a short period of time and this client completely hit all the marks.  She came to meetings, checked in, had questions, made lists, kept a food journal.  She took action to succeed.  I also have another client who came to me with goals.  We mapped out what to do and how to do it.  I made menus, food choices, prodded and prompted with tips.  And I am the only one who took any steps.  This client had the right words but lacked the follow through.  It completely distressed me that I couldn't get this client to take the steps to meet the goals that were voiced.I have yet to see anyone accomplish anything based on words alone.  Sometimes it is hard, inconvenient, exhausting and often painful.  But that is what it takes.So what makes someone get in gear and move forward?  What makes a person that "go to" who you know will get the job done?  Or what about that person who you know would make it through a blinding snowstorm with walking pneumonia just to keep their word?I think it's never too late for folks to begin taking action, whether it be for their health, their relationships, or their dreams.  Even where bad habits or inaction run deep, as long as there is an incentive and a reason to act, it's not too late.  A little push might be all that it takes.

  Does any of this resonate with you?  Someone you know?  Someone you want to encourage?  Even if we are action people, I'm sure we can all use a little encouragement to make that move past our words to the actual "doing" part.Enjoy Your Day!