Walking the Talk
In life, it is crucially important to walk the talk. For most people, simply talking about things seems to fulfil them. Generally speaking, such people are called "gunna".... "I'm gunna do this or I'm gunna do that", which of course rarely if ever happens. Another way to know a gunna is their habitual reaction to a new idea someone is doing something about, by saying something like "Gee, I was gunna do that!"
Community and state leaders also show this despicable trait, by often telling others what they should do, but rarely if ever actually doing it themselves.
My advice is to help such people get out of their delusion... or if you cannot help them, then just avoid them.
So, how do we get ourselves to do the things we say we should, or tell others to do because it is the right thing, or a good thing? Here are some simple, easy but fundamentally important tips for walking the talk, at home, work, socially or just within yourself:
1. Whatever you do, make sure it is in sync with your core beliefs and values. Be a principled person.
2. Practise what you preach. Do as you say. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".
3. Follow the rules and guidances you place for others. Know that you are an equal with others and stop managing people!
4. Pull those sleeves up and get in the actual work! Do not shout orders from the pulpit or the office, but lead by example. When the work is done, you should be as tired and dirty (if not more) as the people around you doing the work.
5. Act within the principles of servant leadership. Help others achieve their goals, aspirations and ambitions. Give, and then do not forget to give more!
6. Keep to your promises. Do not break them. If something comes up, communicate to those who will be affected by your inability to meet your promise.
7. Have a BIG goal that you can work towards. And when you have others hoping for a similar goal, help everyone visualise the end result. Let everyone mentally taste it.
8. Communicate your objectives and strategies well to the people who are sharing in the goal. Articulate it with the passion you believe with. And, drop that false mask.
9. Delegate and let people around you take ownership. Work on the goal knowing that if it all was taken from you, that you did your sincere best and that is more important than the goal itself.
10. Know that success is not a point in life, but a pursuit of life! Be balanced with the pursuit. Be content with the state you find yourself in whilst pursuing life.
And success is from God Almighty alone!
Afroz Ali
2 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (2)
Thanks for sharing that. I love this kinda stuff that helps you. I've a question- what do you mean by core values?
Hello Janine,
Thank you for your comment, and I pray that it is of benefit to you.
Core values are what used to be called Statement of Objectives. Some times even mission statements have included core values at the corporate level.
Core values at the individual level (and similar at other levels) are really your principles, what is important to you and what you uphold. So, for me, my Core Values come from Islamic Principles.
Core Values are our guiding light on a daily basis- what we do and why we do what we do.
For some people, core values are frequently what they are motivated to do. But I propose to you look a little deeper- why are you motivated to do what you do. Answering that question allows you to start defining your core values.
A trap people often fall into with Core Values, is to put together colourful words to make up their "Mission Statement", when in reality they are either not motivated to actually do that at all, or they find that it conflicts with their own conscience.
For me, Core Values are those set of principles which I strive for with myself, with a clarity in my intentions in doing them.
Hope that helps!
Was Salaam
Afroz