Every great act comes from a great thought. For eons human beings everywhere have been motivated into action after experiencing some thought, no matter how profound or normal. The great thinkers however, are not always great doers, as often, thoughts are not converted into action. Taking the same essence, the way we speak about things sometimes doesn’t reflect in what we do. That fallacy, is one committed when we talk the talk and fail to walk the walk. This is going to be one tongue twisting piece with all the walking and talking we are about to talk about, so let’s take a deep breath and get talking.
The ability to communicate is a God given gift that helps us to share our thoughts, feelings, ideas and views. It is an ability that sets us apart from the rest. One that makes us the leader in the food chain. With such a gift bestowed on us, there is a lot of responsibility that has come to rest on our shoulders. How we use this ability is the most intricate part of the game.
We have so many different types of people around us, and getting to be aware of the various types of communicators is truly a treat for those who love to sit back and listen. We have the, to the point communicators who refrain from beating around the bush and get straight to where they set out to get to. We have those who beat around the bush and basically get to nowhere. Then we have the sweet talkers who’s every word takes you straight to cloud number 9 and of course conversely, the ones who mince not a word and let the bitter truth hit you like a tonne of bricks. The ones with the ‘gift of the gab’ can sell ice to an Eskimo but the ones who lack the confidence find selling anything as unappetizing as eating cardboard. The prize winners however, are the ones who talk and talk but the action level goes into the below average.
When we do what we are meant to, it is great to acknowledge our work. Smiling about it, talking about it and even giving ourselves a pat on the back every once in a while is a great esteem booster. What actually happens is a different story all together. Those who do it all and more seldom find the time to boast of their achievements. In fact, often, they don’t even know they are doing anything great because it has turned into a habit.
On the other hand, those with little to show for themselves run to the highest mountains and shout of things they believe they have done and done well. More than speaking about their own accomplishments however, they speak of the missteps of others. Doing nothing themselves, but pointing out even the tiniest errors of others is the only way to stroke egos and calm insecurities. The whole idea of practice and then preach is where the crux of the matter lays. It is very easy to nit-pick and to find fault, what is tedious is the ability to reach further, to aim higher and to achieve goals with ease. For the fault finders, the way to go is simple, if you find a fault, rectify it yourself, or at least try. We only appreciate the efforts of an individual when we take on the challenge of walking a mile in their shoes.
Doing the dirty work is not easy, ignoring the wagging tongues too could cause many a sleepless night. So, what do you do as the receiver of all the negativity? You refrain from stooping to the level they anticipate. You rise above and continue doing what you have to and have been doing. It is easy for people to say ‘ignore’, it is difficult in actual practice. If it’s too much to handle, speak directly to the source. If the source is unreasonable, ask for a mediator.
Letting the negativity drag you down is of no positive consequence especially to yourself. Letting go, or getting out will lead to self-preservation and there is nothing worth losing your health and sleep over. Realising that the only reason you are being shunned is lack of someone else’s insecurities will help you to de-link from a whirlpool of hate. Understanding that you needn’t talk the talk to prove that you are actually walking the walk will help make the situation bearable.
Figure out if you are a walker or a talker and make the necessary changes. Focus on doing great work rather than causing great friction. Wear and tear of any mechanism destroys it completely and causes dysfunction. Go the distance and find the pace, work in harmony and avoid the rat race.
