We’ve all heard the saying that we should not only talk the talk, but we should also walk the walk. It’s easy to say that you are going to do something and it’s easy to pay lip service to just about anyone, but it’s another thing altogether when you have to walk what you’re talking. So to speak.
Let’s say, for example, that you tell people about the importance of giving back to the community. You tell them about how we should care for our fellow man. You tell them that we should focus more on how to make the world a better place for everyone rather than focusing on the material possessions that we desire. However, let’s say that you very rarely donate anything to charity and, when you do, the donation is minimal at best.
If this happens to be the case, it’s very clear that you have no trouble talking the talk, but you’re not doing much to walk the walk. If you’re to pay that lip service, you should consider donating to a local charity. Don’t have the extra funds lying around? Well, you could choose to donate your time instead. Many people say that they are generous and charitable, but they only say this to maintain a positive public image.
Now, I’m not a father just yet, but you can see how this sentiment can easily be extended to one’s parenting style. You need to set a positive example for your children, not only in the words you speak, but also in the actions you take. Are you teaching your children that they should obey the law? Then why are you speeding down the freeway, not wearing a seatbelt, and not paying the parking meter as you run in for a morning coffee?
It boils down to your dignity and your integrity. Can you truthfully say that your word is your bond? Do you keep your promises? Do you do as you say? Then again, are there times when it is more noble to tell a small lie? Are there times when you should talk a talk that is incongruent with the walk you’re walking? Do the ends justify the means? All good questions and I encourage you to chime in with your thoughts below.
The last point about kids and parenting is especially true. It’s been said time and time again by many “experts” that kids are paying attention to your actions from day one, and said actions affect how your little one behaves. Hell, if you spend enough time around kids you can figure this out.
I believe your integrity and peoples trust in you depends on whether you “Do as I say, not as I do” or “Do as I do and say”.
so this is about a commitment right ? based from what i learn from my boss. a commitment is a way to our success , people just lose a big chance to the path of success if their can’t keep the own promise
No, this is about doing what you say you do. You can talk about how it should be done, but do you actually follow that when you have to do it.
I wrote Preach What You Practice awhile back