"Ce n'est pas ce que nous disons ou pensons qui nous définit mais ce que nous faisons."

Actions speak louder than words. That's really the essence of the quote. What you do carries weight and reveals who you are much more than any big speech or grand idea ever could.

This idea has roots deep in our history. Think of the countless leaders and figures throughout time—people who are remembered not for their words, but for their deeds. Abraham Lincoln, for example, is remembered not just for his eloquent speeches, but for his actions in leading the United States through its Civil War and working to abolish slavery.

Let's bring it closer to home with a real-world example. Picture Marie, a manager at a bustling tech company. Every Monday, she tells her team how much she values collaboration and innovation. Sounds great, right? But if, during the week, she shuts down ideas and micromanages every project, her actions are screaming louder than her Monday morning pep talks. Her team will quickly see the disconnect and may stop believing in her words altogether.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. If you want to be seen as reliable, make sure you're consistently meeting deadlines and keeping your promises. If kindness is important to you, don't just talk about it—show it through small acts like helping a neighbor or checking in on a friend. It’s about aligning your daily actions with the values and traits you want to be known for. It’s the tiny, consistent actions that build up over time and shape how others perceive you.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and she’s venting about her roommate, Kim. Kim always talks about being environmentally conscious, but your friend notices she never recycles and leaves lights on all over the apartment. It's frustrating, right? That’s because Kim’s actions completely contradict her words, making her seem insincere—maybe even hypocritical.

Now flip the script. Imagine Kim starts making a real effort. She sets up a recycling station, starts using reusable bags, and even carves out time to volunteer at a local park cleanup. Suddenly, Kim’s words start matching her actions, and your friend sees her in a new light. It might take a bit of time, but Kim's consistent actions will reshape her roommate's perception of her.

Here's a little story to drive it home. Think about Tom and Jerry—two classmates who both want to become doctors. Tom talks about it all the time, sharing his plans and dreams with anyone who’ll listen. Jerry doesn’t say much, but he’s always in the library studying, volunteering at the local clinic, and shadowing doctors when he can. Fast forward a few years, and while Tom is still talking about his dreams, Jerry is living his—already in med school, well on his way to becoming a doctor. Jerry's actions, not his words, defined his path and ultimately, who he is.

In the end, it's about being genuine and consistent. If you want to be known as hardworking, be the one who puts in the extra hours and goes the extra mile. If you want to be seen as caring, be the person who’s always there for friends in need. Your actions, no matter how small, shape your identity far more than your words ever could. So, next time you want to define who you are, don’t just say it—show it.