“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”​​​​​​​​

This is part of the DadQuotes series, where I roundup the best quotes from famous figures, insightful authors, and my quickly growing kids, and apply them to the job of parenting.

I tell my wife I’ll do the dishes after the kids are in bed.

I tell a client I’ll send the project tomorrow.

I tell my kids I’ll play with them Saturday morning.

But none of it matters if I just say ‘I will’. In the words of the great psychologist, Carl Jung:

“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
– Carl Jung​​​​​​​​

If you say you’re a thoughtful partner, but you don’t help out around the house… how thoughtful are you?

If you say you’re a good worker, but you don’t get your work on time… how good are you?

If you say you’re an engaged parent, but you don’t make time for your kids… how engaged are you?

We all have days where we don’t live up to the ideals we set for ourselves. That’s normal. But over time, your action—or inaction—adds up.

Your daily routine, the relationships you maintain, the ways you spend your time—that is your life.

Where you put your time and energy is who you are.

You can change, or you can stay the same. But you are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.

Are you who you say you are?

While you’re thinking about it, I bet your kids would love some extra time with you today.

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