We often say we want to do things. We say it with much conviction because we think it really is what we want to do. But our actions speak otherwise. If we really wanted it, we would’ve done something about it. We would’ve taken steps to move that desire to do forward. This was today’s very clear reminder from Derek Sivers’ blog. Actions, not words, reveal our real values. 

We say we want to be a better daughter but we rarely reach out to the folks. We say we want to be a better parent but we are not fully present when we are with the kids. We say we want to be a good friend but we don’t spend time catching up. We say we want to be a good partner but then we succumb to our quick temper. We say we want to succeed but do other busy work  instead of those that add real value. The misalignment between what we think we want and what we actually do is a gap worth reflecting on.

Why do we do otherwise? Why do we not do what we said is important to us? Because these are the harder things. Because it takes effort to commit to. Because these leave us feeling vulnerable if they don’t work out. For the other future things that we think we want but do not really do anything about, it is worth asking whether these are really what we want to do. Do we want it badly that our soul yearns for it to the point where you can’t think and just do? Because if it does not move you that way, maybe it’s not really what we deeply long for. Hard reflections but questions worth asking ourselves everyday.