You only grow when your actions match your words

“A well done is better than well said.” [Benjamin Franklin]?What we say isn't always more than true. Why? Anybody can tell you anything… I can tell you right now that I’m a prince of Africa in this social media post... Not too believable… However… If you, in person, are in Africa, you see me sitting on a throne, being carried by two servants (hey, hey, don’t worry… They’re getting paid handsomely), surrounded by a big parade and a huge following, having seen on posters how the Prince of Africa is part of an event today…In which scenario would it be most believable that I am a prince of Africa? So basically… If you take notice of someones actions, it tells you so much more in comparison to what a person claims.

Actions do speak louder than words, but not for everyone and not every time, unless you are a man of your words and/or a big personality whose every spoken word counts (ex. PM Modi, or better fill your famous personality's name here). For common people like us, we get only some things done out of what all we say or intend to do. This doesn't really mean we don't care about what we say, but often times we just say or decide a lot of things in the heat of the moment. The next day, when you think what you decided, most likely you end up laughing at yourself for putting over-expectations upon yourself which are often unrealistic for your nature. Sometimes though, no matter how hard you try, you fail to achieve some things. Maybe it is just not gonna happen for you. Accept it and move on. If you really get something done what you decided, then there is absolutely nothing like it, and for that, you must pat your back.

Who says words speak louder here? Oh, you mean fake words? Yup, I agree, words speak louder here. No, wait! Often times, you will see people writing things which are absolutely fake, impractical and illogical. The real life is totally different than what is projected here by some, or many, or by most of us. You will find “Respect your parents” or “Never shout at your parents” in most of the answers by almost everyone. But, to me, this is not how we live our lives in reality. Do we?

We are humans, with ego, with expectations, and with sentimental mind. If we get hurt, it is likely gonna come out on someone. Most likely on our close ones. Have you not done this when you were a kid? Or maybe when you were a teen? Or maybe when you grew old and wanted things to go all your ways? I am sure you have shouted at your parents, disrespected them, stopped talking to them at some stage of your life. While most people say (read: preach) that this is not right and should not be done, but I see nothing wrong with it. These are part of life that everyone goes through. Just by saying “Never disrespect your parents”, doesn't really mean much because most of them have done it already in their immature phase of life and now preaching not to do such things.

Everyone is so much experienced here that they are preaching as if they have seen every phase of their life even though the only thing they have seen or experienced is a heartbreak or some failures, and chances are, they are pretty young. These are the people who are sharing their views on questions like “What life lessons you have learnt?” A lot of them (exceptions are always there) are just writing things that works for their fame and project themselves as an ideal person.

Once I read an answer by a topper, who wrote an answer on “What made you cry in public?” and it was about some food fell on the floor which was then picked up by a poor girl and started eating. This made the topper cry in public. Really? Have you seen anyone crying in public for this scenario? Although, the moral of the story was good here ― not to waste food and help others in need ― but the fake story presented as a real thing was screaming the writer's fakeness and their hunger and misuse of their popularity. So, in the above case, words written were a mere story and action (crying) that never actually happened.

Now for the respect part: I agree, that respect is shown by words here, and they are ― writing answer, or comments, or may be sharing and others’ answers. But, there isn't any alternative to that either. You can't really do anything beyond that even if there was a scope to take things beyond just writing, sharing, and commenting. Now, if you look at not-so bright side of this, you will realize that the words are also used as sharp swords to hurt, defame and demoralize others as well. So, it all comes down to who is saying, with what intent - decides whether words are being used for better or worse.

Lastly, I also want to say, be a human and let others be. I am not expecting all people to do what they say, and not expecting people to say what they are going to do. Because, more often than not, most of us can't make both things match in real life. Less talk. More action.An epidemic of talk is upon us. Look anywhere on the major social media networks, and you’ll find what appear to be experts on any given topic. But when you dig a little deeper, there is little substance. Ideas are plenty. Anyone with an internet connection and a smartphone can share them and shine bright with enough popularity. But have they practiced what they preach so fervently? What is the worth of words without deeds? “If your actions don’t live up to your words, you have nothing to say.”

Talk is often a mask people wear. Words distort reality by projecting an illusion. If you want to peek behind the mask and dispel the illusion, simply observe their actions. Most people do not attempt to deceive out of malice. They are simply providing a glimpse of who they wish to be. There is no doubt ideas stimulate the mind, regardless of the source. But if you want words to resonate, anchor them in experience. “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” Love is an act, not a saying. The words “I love you” ring hollow in the absence of small gestures and deeds. “No matter what words are spoken, actions betray the truth of everyone's heart.”

Identity is a series of acts, not words. To paraphrase Thomas Ingram, thoughts and beliefs shape who you are, but your identity is revealed with each action you take. Wisdom is gained only through action. The illusion of wisdom without action is knowledge untested. Discounting favorable circumstances, street smarts always trump book smarts. Twitter is aflame with countless nuggets dressed up as wisdom, but “a well done is better than well said.” [Benjamin Franklin] Lead with action. Follow with words. Cheers!