"No puedes construir una reputación basada en lo que vas a hacer."

Reputation isn’t built on promises or future intentions—it’s built on actions taken and results achieved. This quote emphasizes the importance of doing rather than just talking about doing. While planning and envisioning your future accomplishments is good, it’s the actual execution that people judge you by.

Historically, this idea resonates with many successful figures who emphasized action over words. Take Henry Ford, for instance. Known for revolutionizing the automobile industry, he likely valued tangible outcomes over mere plans. Ford’s successful implementation of the assembly line wasn’t just an idea he talked about; it was a transformative action that changed manufacturing forever.

Now, let's dive into a real-life example. Imagine a startup founder who talks about creating the next big social media platform. They might have impressive presentations and grand plans. But unless they actually build the platform, launch it, and attract users, their reputation remains speculative. On the other hand, think about Mark Zuckerberg. He didn’t just talk about connecting people—he built Facebook. His reputation grew as Facebook’s user base expanded and people saw the real impact of his work.

How can you apply this wisdom? Start by setting small, achievable goals and executing them well. Demonstrate your skills and reliability through consistent action. If you promise to deliver a project by a certain date, meet that deadline. If you commit to improving a skill, show progress through tangible achievements. Over time, these actions build a solid reputation.

Picture this scenario: You’re in a workplace where promotions are based on performance. There’s a colleague, Sam, who’s always talking about their ambitious plans—maybe they’re going to streamline the workflow or land a big client. But months go by, and these plans remain just that: plans. Meanwhile, another colleague, Jamie, quietly takes on projects, finishes them efficiently, and consistently improves the team’s output. When promotion time comes, who do you think gets recognized? Jamie, of course. Their reputation is built on what they've actually done, not on what they said they would do.

To wrap this up, think about your own goals and how you talk about them. Are you spending more time discussing what you’ll do rather than doing it? Shift your focus. Start acting on those plans. Whether it’s personal goals like getting fit or professional ones like leading a project, let your actions speak louder than your words. People will judge you by what you accomplish, not what you intend to accomplish. So go ahead—take that first step, and then the next. Build your reputation brick by brick through your actions. You’ll find it speaks for itself.