“It is difficult to bring people to goodness with lessons, but it is easy to do so by example.” -Seneca
Leading with one’s actions rather than words is powerful and effective. At the same time it allows for the least resistance when we model behavior for those who are entrusted to us, be they our children, the employees we supervise or the friends we so highly value. I often marvel at the parents riding bikes with their children, kids with helmets firmly in place, parents, no helmet in sight. I wonder if this is the style in which the family is lead, “do as I say, not as I do”. This message is confusing to children and adults alike and leads to ignoring the lesson presented.
Not only do our actions speak to those closest to us but to anyone we contact, even through indirect observation. Acting with kindness and consideration, even under duress, models an attitude one would want to encourage in others. The effect may be immediate, influencing the others present in a stressful situation, or it may make an impression on the more distant viewer. Shouting at someone to calm down is far less effective than exhibiting calm in the presence of the agitated person.
Understanding the impact one’s actions have on others also means that we must take care to be consistent in conduct. The repetitive nature of learning is disrupted when one’s demeanor and moral acts are selective instead of constant. Acting as one’s best self without concern or excuse for the situation or associations can not fail to serve one well.
The days are filled with choices in actions, each one an opportunity to teach a life lesson, or to act in a manner that inspires modeling from others. By carefully selecting the best decision we benefit ourselves, and by reflection, influence more than we realize.
Cathrine McLaren 
Love this!! Such a great thing to think about what my actions actually say about me!!!
Thanks Christina! Encouraging words are always appreciated…great “modeling” 🙂
“It is difficult to bring people to goodness with lessons, but it is easy to do so by example.” -Seneca <—- Indeed 🙂
Which reminds me of the saying "You can lead a person to knowledge but you can't make them think."….A well spoken lesson can't compare to setting an example. Many have to SEE it to ACHIEVE it.
Leading by example is virtually the most effective way to inspire someone to change.
"I often marvel at the parents riding bikes with their children, kids with helmets firmly in place, parents, no helmet in sight." I wonder if this is the style in which the family is lead, “do as I say, not as I do”. This message is confusing to children and adults alike and leads to ignoring the lesson presented." <—- this is indeed a good point.
Parents are unintentionally delivering mixed messages in more ways than one and in turn we as teenagers and young adults subconsciously develop the habit of doing the same. No wonder parents have a difficult time disciplining their children! And no wonder these children have a difficult time with siblings and others outside of their home. It's all the fault of indirect influence. It's all due to a lack of consistent awareness passed from parent to oldest child to sibling!
It is true, we have to care that our actions speak louder than words, we have to take care that we show our children that we follow the advice we freely give to them and others. Because the fascinating thing is, it takes one major experience of poor performance for a child to hold that against their parent. And the child will not heed their parent's words with 100% adherence until that poor performance has been rectified.
Which reminds me, I have some rectifying to do of my own.
~~Thank you for this post~~
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond at length and with such thought! This is so much more than a great comment that I think it would be an appropriate post for Inspired Thought….if you don’t mind my saying so. This is mostly what I do is take off and fly with things others have said or done that inspire me.
You welcome and Thank you for your insightful post. Thank you for such encouraging words and your suggestion 🙂 I am open to it because I do the very same 🙂
I will put your post on reserve for a reblog along with my comment because your words have helped inspired my thoughts which in turn inspire my actions. 🙂