Talk is Cheap, Action is What Counts
Life June 11th, 2008Its pretty tough to cover this section on a blog since its closer to talk than action however I will assure you that I do take actions on the content I produce here everyday so I do know something about the advantages of action over talk. I’ve become very aware recently of identifying where action speaks volumes to words. In so many ways, people talk about all their great ideas, plans to do things, ways to improve, goals, and advice which goes on constantly in workplaces, home and in relationships. The problem with all of this however, is that it isn’t turned into action often enough.
Simple Actions Often
Some simple actions are far more valuable than all the discussion around something and the actions are what will trigger a new experience to build more actions on. I’ve seen this heavily in my workplace lately where we have decided to start taking one step at a time as actions instead of constantly making big plans. Just a few actions instead of an elaborate plan has a noticeable, immediate and contagious impact to your own behaviors going forward and on those of others.
Starting early, whatever it is, has advantages and is an excellent way to demonstrate action. I’m sure everyone has heard the term, “lead by example” and it really applies here as well. Taking some action no matter how simple has a bigger impact than words because it can be demonstrated, copied and reinforced. Typically starting something is what triggers more discussion on a topic anyway as there is some real evidence that can be discussed.
So, look at that todo list you’ve had waiting, those someday goals, the big plans, the things you’ve always wanted to change, the last book you read, the feedback you’ve had from others and pick one simple action you can do to move towards achieving it.
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June 11th, 2008 at 1:51 PM
yes, talk is cheap. however, actions may be real pricey, its easier to just say it, it takes guts to actually do it
June 12th, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Lol. I use RememberTheMilk as my to-do list. Even the first step of writing the stuffs down on the to-do list requires action and not only the continuous thinking or “planning in the head”.
Interestingly, the simple thing like writing the list helps a lot in getting things done at a faster rate, and get rid of the awful amount of time spent procrastinating (ahem I meant “preparing”) on things that can be done in an hour or two, like replying to emails as an example. 🙂
– Daniel
June 19th, 2008 at 2:09 PM
yes, actions do speak louder then words! you have to do it if you want to get somewhere , merely saying it is not enough !