Your Actions Say A Lot About You
There are many ways for you to express who you are and how you feel. You can describe what you want or try to hide how you feel, but your actions say a lot about you and will show who you are.
Sometimes we use words like a disguise and hope to hide things we do not want others to see. Sometimes we are not even aware that our words and actions contradict each other.
We save time by making decisions, some trivial and others more important. Sometimes what we say and what we do come in line, while other times they are far apart.
The confusion of mixed signals
When your words and actions are in line with each other, there is no risk of confusion. The verbal message is amplified by a consistent non-verbal message. The communication is complete and the other person can understand you easily.
Doubt and confusion arise when you give a verbal message and send a completely different non-verbal message. It’s like saying yes with your mouth while shaking your head. Actions say a lot and this contradiction will give the listener mixed feelings.
An example of mixed signals would be if your partner tells you that you can do whatever you want with an aggressive tone. Verbal, the person says that he does not care, but non-verbally the person says that what you do is not appreciated.
When someone sends mixed signals, the person receiving them will feel trapped. Due to this contradiction, it will not be good no matter what the person does.
When verbal and non-verbal messages contradict each other
When words and actions contradict each other, the actions show the person’s true nature. Focus on what the person is doing and not on what they are saying, because that is what really describes the person’s motivation. While this is not an absolute fact, it will statistically increase your chances of making the right choice.
You can also apply this principle to get to know yourself better. When you have a dilemma or doubt what you really want, you can analyze the actions you have done so far.
Your actions say a lot, so be aware of them
In order to be able to sort out someone else’s intentions, you should focus on what the person is doing. When you want to find out what your own motivations are, you should focus on both what you think and what you do.
Be aware of the decisions you have made and the actions you have taken as this will bring you closer to the knowledge of yourself. If you know your real motivations, you will be able to solve the dilemma and move in the right direction when a crisis arises.
Observe both words and actions
If you do not reinforce your words with actions, they will only be empty words. Just saying you are for one thing and clicking a button on Facebook is not enough.
What you say and what you do need to go hand in hand. Be consistent with your ideas, act on them and do not contradict yourself with your verbal and non-verbal messages.
It is important to be aware of the decisions you make, or not make, and take responsibility for them. By reflecting on what you say and do, you will be able to question your thoughts and act according to your values.
