Walk the Talk: 1) Back up or prove what’s said with action. 2) Represent words with action. 3) Practice what’s preached.

Are You Walking Your Talk?

Be honest…
do you follow through with what you say you’re going to do?

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When I was around 15 years old, I went to work at my dad’s office in New York City during my summer vacation.

A Lesson in Integrity

This was my first conscious lesson in integrity, because I was very aware of my feelings and thoughts around the following situation.

My dad worked for an insurance company, and I was hired to do all the filing. My god! There were stacks upon stacks of manila folders that needed to be filed in alphabetical order.

At first, I was a little taken back at how the employees just allowed this pile to get so huge… actually out of hand. It was obvious that once someone was finished with a case, they would just place the folder on the table and once that table was full they started placing stacks on the floor! Well this room became my little office for 2 months.

At first, I took my sweet ol’ time placing each folder in its perfect place.  By the end of the first month, I started to doubt that I could finish the task before the summer would end.  My Dad’s secretary Connie, whom I really admired, came into my little office and asked how I was doing and if I thought I would be able to get the job done by the end of August?

I assured her, that the task would be completed.  I remember then and there, that I had to do it.  

I could not let her down, nor my Dad for that matter.  But how? At the rate I was going, I did not seem to have enough time.  I then decided to skip my one hour lunch break, asked my dad if we could stay a bit later, and go into work an hour earlier.  I was so motivated not to let Connie down (which is why it’s good to tell another person what you’re planning on doing – it keeps you accountable). I ended up keeping my word and earned the respect of Connie and my Dad.

On my last day of work, I made sure that the filing room looked beautiful. I left the room with a potted plant on the table, some extra folders, labels and markers all neatly laid out.  Connie told me how much she loved having me work at the office with her, and how much she appreciated how I turned the unorganized, crazy-looking filing cabinet room into a place where it now felt calm and organized.  She said how much she would miss me and gave me a great letter of recommendation.

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For me, I felt a sense of pride.  I really showed up for my dad’s office, and more importantly for myself. I gave my best, and kept my word. The sense of pride I felt within myself can never be taken away…and from that time on, I deeply realized the innate value and personal power that comes with keeping one’s word.

I remember reading somewhere that,

“Your Word is Your Wand”

The more congruent you are with your words and actions, the stronger your ability to manifest miracles and blessings. Anything worthwhile takes practice and consistency.  Don’t let yourself off the hook just because you don’t feel like it…you’re so much better and stronger than that!  If you talk it, walk it.