"السلوك هو ما يفعله الرجل، وليس ما يفكر فيه أو يشعر به أو يؤمن به"

The quote is a reminder that our actions define us more than our inner thoughts or beliefs. It's easy to get caught up in what we feel or think, but in the end, what truly matters is what we do. Actions speak louder than words, as they say.

Imagine this: you're at work, and you have a colleague who always talks about helping out and being a team player. But when it comes to actually pitching in, they’re nowhere to be found. Their words and feelings about teamwork don’t matter as much as their actions—or lack thereof. This is a clear example of how behavior is the true measure of character.

This concept has been relevant throughout history. Take the story of Martin Luther King Jr., for instance. Dr. King wasn't just a man who believed in equality and justice; he took action. He led marches, gave speeches, and put himself in harm's way to fight for civil rights. His beliefs were powerful, but it was his behavior—his relentless activism—that created tangible change.

Now, let’s bring it down to a more personal level. Think about New Year’s resolutions. At the start of the year, we often make grand plans to get fit, save money, or learn new skills. But how many of us follow through? It’s one thing to feel motivated and believe in the importance of these goals, but it’s another to hit the gym regularly, stick to a budget, or practice that new language daily. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is behavior.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start small. If you want to be seen as reliable, show up on time. If you aim to be healthier, swap out that daily soda for water. It’s the consistent, sometimes seemingly insignificant actions that build up and define who you are. Your thoughts and feelings are important—they can guide you—but they need to translate into action.

Picture this scenario: You’ve got a friend, let's call her Sarah. Sarah always talks about wanting to start her own business. She reads all the books, attends the seminars, and has a million ideas. But every time you catch up, she's still at her same old job, still just talking about her big plans. Compare that to your other friend, Mike. Mike doesn’t talk much about his goals, but he spends his weekends working on his projects, meeting with potential clients, and gradually building his side hustle. Who do you think is more likely to succeed?

In the end, it’s pretty simple: what you do is what counts. Your actions are the real reflection of your values and intentions. So next time you’re caught up in your thoughts or overwhelmed by emotions, ask yourself—what are you going to do about it? Because that’s what defines you.