Words Are Actions

Words Are Actions

By Steve Pavlina

Some people claim that actions matter and words alone(əˈlōn) don’t count for much.

That philosophy may be popular, but it isn’t based in truth.

Words matter tremendously(trəˈmendəslē). Words are actions, and they absolutely do count – at least as much as any other form of action does.

Words influence people. Words create impact, even when you’re not trying to be impactful. Words create ripples(ˈripəl). And words incur(inˈkər) responsibility.

With words alone you can change the course of someone’s life. You can affect someone well beyond (or contrary to) your intent.

The law recognizes this too. You can go to jail(jāl) just for your words if you choose the wrong ones, including in countries that profess(prəˈfes) to have great freedom of speech. And you can most assuredly(əˈSHo͝or(ə)dlē) be sued(so͞o) for your words.

Intent may be considered, but the bigger issue is impact. With your words you could contribute to damaging someone’s health, ending a job or a relationship, or even ending a life.

You could also inspire someone to make a major positive change in their life. You could reduce someone’s stress. You could help form a healthy and positive relationship.

You can have these effects with words alone.

How many transitions(tranˈziSH(ə)n) would never have occurred if certain words had never been voiced?

How many regrets trace back to words alone, whether spoken or unspoken?

You don’t need a large platform or audience to have impact with your words. A small number of words communicated to one person can be unexpectedly(ˌənəkˈspektədlē) life-changing.

I guarantee you that your words have already affected people – and will continue to affect them – in powerful ways you don’t see at all.


https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2020/08/words-are-actions/