"何をするつもりか言わないでください 何をしたか言わないでください 何をしているか見せてください"

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: actions speak louder than words. Instead of blabbering about your plans or past achievements, let people see what you're actually doing right now. It's all about living in the present and letting your current efforts shine through.

Think about it. How many times have you heard someone say they're going to start eating healthy or hitting the gym? They talk about it for days, weeks, maybe even months. But unless they actually start packing salads for lunch or sweating it out on the treadmill, it’s all just talk. The magic happens when you stop talking about it and start doing it.

This idea has roots in practical wisdom and has been echoed by doers throughout history. For instance, in the business world, actions and results often trump grand plans and past glories. Steve Jobs didn’t just tell people that Apple would revolutionize the tech industry—he showed them, product after product, keynote after keynote, what innovation looked like.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a small startup in a crowded market. The founders are passionate about their unique product. Instead of constantly pitching their grand vision to investors or boasting about their past ventures, they focus on building a killer prototype. They take it to potential customers, get feedback, and iterate. They let the product speak for itself. When investors finally see the working prototype, they’re impressed not by promises or past successes, but by the tangible progress and clear potential. The startup’s current actions—proof of their hard work and dedication—are what win them the investment.

So, how can you apply this in everyday life? Simple. Start by being mindful of how often you talk about your plans versus how often you act on them. If you’ve got a big goal, like writing a book or starting a new project at work, dive into it. Start small, make steady progress, and let your actions tell the story. Instead of giving people a play-by-play, let them see your commitment and progress. They’ll be more impressed by your dedication and results than by any grand speech.

Imagine this: you’re at a family gathering, and everyone’s sharing what they’ve been up to. You could talk about your ambitious plan to run a marathon next year, or you could let them notice you slipping out for a run every morning. When race day comes, and you cross that finish line, your achievement will speak volumes. Your family will remember seeing you train, day in and day out, and they’ll understand the depth of your commitment and effort.

In essence, this approach builds credibility and respect. People can see—whether it’s your boss, your friends, or even yourself—that you’re someone who follows through. It’s a powerful way to lead by example. And isn’t that what truly makes a difference?

So next time you’re tempted to talk about what you’re going to do, or what you’ve already done, pause. Think about how you can let your current actions do the talking. It’s not just about impressing others—it’s about staying true to your goals and proving to yourself that you’re capable of achieving them.