Your words express your thoughts, your feelings, and your dreams. Those messages come in many forms — long or short, plentiful or few — and they can be heartfelt or phony. Once in a while, a simple look, a glancing nod, or even a hug says more than your words can express. What’s more, there are times when no words can express your happiness or voice your sorrow.
Silence can say everything.
Once words leave your mouth, they’re seldom forgotten. As the saying goes, “You can’t unring a bell.” So be careful what you say or you may live to regret it one day. What’s more, words on paper take on a life of their own. They can last a lifetime…and even longer.
One thing is certain in every language…. You can say things till you’re blue in the face. BUT your words are meaningless if they conflict with your actions.
Words express what’s on your mind, but your actions say what’s in your heart.
A Word to the Wise
People spout out about niceties such as showing gratitude, building trust, or being tolerant. But those messages are meaningless if they’re not part of your daily ritual. Do you preach about morality, but fail to live up to the standards that you set for others? Do you make commitments, but fail to keep them as promised? Do you lecture people about civility and tolerance, but bite off the head of someone who disagrees with you? Are you quick to condemn folks for being self-centered and greedy, but fail to raise your own hand and volunteer for others? In other words, do you live by your statements or just talk a good game?
Some folks who prescribe tolerance should take their own medicine.
While your message may say volumes about you, your actions say even more. The true meaning of your words is not what you say, but what you do. Your words are most meaningful when they mirror your actions…and vice versa. Take my word for it.
Do You Lead By Example?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
ACTIONS Speak Louder
Meaningful Conversations Don’t Happen By Chance
Do You Want to Be Heard or Understood?
23 Ways to Spot a Hypocrite
May I Have a Word with You?
Honesty: The Plain and Simple Truth
6 Ways to Spot All Talk No Action
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I love the phrase, “Words express what’s on your mind, but actions say what’s in your heart.” Hypocrisy is much easier to spot then we realize. Touting the organization taglines but not fully engaging our hearts and minds destroys our team and demoralizes our staff. If we can’t get behind the organization, it may be time to move on. It’s not worth compromising our values.
So true, Debbie
As I say, “When you think you’re fooling the world, you’re only kidding yourself.” This applies to organizations and individuals alike.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Great post. Words matter. And actions speak louder than words.
Thanks Lee. I’m so glad you like it.
You send a message by what you say and what you do. If words aren’t supported with consistent actions, they will ring hollow.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
I am starting a blog of my own and would like permission to use the word graphic you have as part of my blog – is this a copyright graphic?
Yes. Bill. All the images on this site are purchased and copyright protected.
Best,
Frank
Hence, the idiom “Do as I say and not like I do” is born.
Hi Al
The way I see it, you can say things till you’re blue in the face, but your words are meaningless if they conflict with your actions.
Therefore, “Do as I do, not as I say.”
Any time you make a claim, no matter how small, and display inconsistent behavior, you shatter the comfort zone –– and weaken your bond of trust with others. As a result, anything thought to be predictable in the future may be treated as suspect. The fact is, everything you do in life sends a message.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
How do you deal with people that you try to build up in a sincere way and then they turn on you and try to outdo you or tear you down, or both, THERE PERSONALITY CHANGES FAST, YOUR LIKE SPORT TO THEM, THEY PLAY WITH YOUR MIND, THEN THE REAL DIRT COMES OUT OF THEM, I have never understood this, can you be of any help. ( The Honest and sincere ones don’t which are very few) what type of people are these?????, sincerely Jim
Hi Jim
It’s essential to maintain a positive outlook when dealing with anger, jealousy, or intolerance directed at you by others. Instead of internalizing their negative emotions, remember that these reactions reflect their own insecurities and issues, not your shortcomings. Embrace the fact that you cannot control how others feel or view you, but you can control your response to their emotions.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank