Giving an advice without role modeling it yourself is like throwing water on a wall – it won’t stick!
Imagine this: you're in a bustling kitchen, surrounded by pots and pans, ingredients scattered everywhere. You're trying to cook a dish you've never attempted before, and you ask for guidance from a seasoned chef. Instead of showing you how it's done, they simply tell you what to do and walk away. You're left bewildered, trying to decipher their instructions, but without seeing the process firsthand, you're lost. That's the essence of the message: giving advice without embodying it yourself is as futile as tossing water at a wall—it just won't adhere.
Think about it like this: if you're trying to teach someone to ride a bike, merely telling them how to balance and pedal isn't enough. You have to hop on the bike yourself, demonstrate the techniques, and guide them through each step. It's through your actions, your example, that the lesson truly sinks in. In the same vein, offering advice without living by it is like expecting someone to learn to ride a bike by reading a manual—it's ineffective and unlikely to yield results.
Consider the role of a parent advising their child on the importance of honesty. If the parent themselves engages in deceitful behavior, their words lose their impact. Children learn by observing the actions of those around them, not just by listening to words. So, if a parent preaches honesty but routinely tells white lies, their advice falls on deaf ears. It's akin to trying to plant seeds on barren soil—the message doesn't take root because there's no fertile ground for it to grow.
Similarly, in the realm of leadership, a boss who lectures their team on the significance of teamwork but refuses to collaborate themselves is ineffective. Employees are more likely to be inspired and motivated when they see their leaders actively embodying the values they espouse. It's like trying to build a sturdy house without a solid foundation—the structure may stand for a while, but eventually, it will crumble under the weight of inconsistency and insincerity.
Think about friendships too. If a friend consistently offers advice on maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships but repeatedly allows themselves to be taken advantage of, their words lack credibility. True guidance comes from living out the principles we advocate for, not just preaching them from a distance. It's akin to trying to guide someone through a dense forest without a compass—you may think you know the way, but without actually walking the path yourself, you're likely to lead them astray.
Moreover, consider the impact of societal influencers who promote certain lifestyles or ideologies without embodying them authentically. Their influence may initially attract followers, but without genuine commitment and integrity, their message loses its power. It's like trying to illuminate a room with a flickering candle—it may cast shadows, but it fails to provide the steady light needed to guide others on their journey.
In essence, the message rings clear: if you want your advice to resonate, if you want to truly make a difference in the lives of others, you must lead by example. Words alone are fleeting, but actions leave a lasting imprint. So, before you offer guidance or counsel, ask yourself: am I living out the principles I preach? Am I being the person I want others to emulate? Because, in the end, it's not what we say but what we do that truly matters.
Now, reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you're giving advice without fully embodying it yourself? How can you align your actions more closely with the principles you advocate for?
*To obtain more inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals, you definitely want to check out my extensive list of growth goals. This page contains SMART goal ideas that can help you establish new aspirations and attain greater heights in your personal growth journey. I utilized this page myself to create my own list of 100 life goals, which I dedicated a decade to pursuing.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
