Action Trumps Empty Words Always

From Words to Action: The Power of Keeping Promises

We’ve all been there—making grand promises with the best of intentions, only to watch them fade like empty words in the wind. Politicians vow to change the world, job applicants pledge to revolutionize their industries, and we promise ourselves healthier habits or fewer desserts. But when the dust settles, the real question remains: do you keep your promises?

The truth is, making promises is easy. What’s hard is delivering on them. Many of us get caught up in the appeal of good intentions, but intentions alone don’t earn trust or respect. It’s not what you say you’ll do—it’s what you’ve done that truly matters. As Pablo Picasso once said, “What one does is what counts. Not what one had the intention of doing.”

This isn’t just about others seeing you as reliable—it’s about how you see yourself. Every broken promise chips away at your integrity, making it easier to renege next time. Over time, what starts as a small compromise can become a defining trait: a reputation for being all talk, no action. And when that happens, don’t be surprised if people question your motives or second-guess your decisions. You’ve earned it.

On the flip side, keeping your word is a surefire way to build trust, strengthen relationships, and earn respect. It’s about more than just fulfilling a commitment—it’s about showing the world (and yourself) that your promises carry weight. Real winners don’t just talk a good game; they deliver. So the next time you’re tempted to make a promise, ask yourself: Am I prepared to put in the work to keep it? Because if it’s important enough to promise, it’s important enough to deliver.

At the end of the day, it’s not what you say that defines you—it’s what you do. So, don’t tell me what you’re going to do. Tell me what you’ve done.