Words and Actions
Do what you say. Say what you mean. Mean what you do.
Shortly after our one son started working in his first “real” job post college he called up, “Why don’t people do their jobs?” he asked.
“Welcome to the adult world,” we replied.
Lately I have just about had it with the “adult world” of business- the adults who do not do their jobs-broken promises, zippo customer service, no accountability or follow through. It is a wonder if anyone wants to make a living much less make any money.
It just gets my goat when a business, to whom I plan on paying money, fails to arrange the details of said business (either a good or service) and appear that they do not even care about making money. For example, I am still waiting a call back from a local appliance store in response to my inquiry of a dryer that I am ready to purchase. In essence, give them money. I left a message for the sales department- over four weeks ago. I know that appliances are hard to get but just a phone call back with an explanation would be businesslike.
In contrast, at another local appliance store in response to an inquiry about their dryer, I was told that I would receive a call back in about ten minutes. And I did. I have also been apprised of the status of the appliance throughout the purchase process.
When I have good customer service, I am truly AMAZED. I am so excited that I am ready to give the salesperson a hug, an incredible tip, and tell the boss to give them a raise. But then I think, “Isn’t that the point of a business transaction? I give them money in exchange for a good or service? To answer the phone, call back when one says one will, find out the details for the logistics of the good or service? Isn’t that how business is done?
I know that I am not alone in my frustration. But where does it derive? I really don’t think it is because we, as a society, are so incredibly lazy and do not want to work. I hope not.
But we have probably witnessed the lack of accountability and follow through even outside of business, in our social networks, community engagements, volunteer efforts or family. I have heard many people say that having the instant communication of texting negates having to make definitive plans. It is easy to cancel plans as other more “interesting” are offered last minute. “That’s just how it is nowadays..” is the refrain.
Then again, I know folks who are like a badger with their responsibilities. Even upon the demise of personal health, they will not relinquish a commitment. Admirable sure, but is that healthy?
Or you hear those who sound like the elaborate proclamations or promises in film and books. “As God is my witness… I’ll never be hungry again.” (Scarlett O’Hara) It makes good drama but not real life.
So, what are we to do? How are we to navigate our words and actions? Do we commit to the point of death or never commit to anything?
As much I had drilled into me and I in turn, drilled into our boys about responsibility and commitments, admittedly, if I say I will do something, there is more of a chance that I won’t do it. I don’t know why it is but I have noticed that if I pre-announce an intention, it most likely won’t happen. Or at least not in the timeframe I stated. It is better for me to say nothing, carry on with the obligation and then afterwards, share what I did.
I think Jesus said it best. Jesus said, “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay”. [Matthew 5:37] There is a simplicity with the yes or no statements. He also reminds me that being accountable and responsible with my words and actions starts out simply. It is through small actions and promises kept that build a foundation of integrity. When larger, more involved vows and oaths are required, we are able because we have “muscle memory” of being honest and principled.
He wasn’t saying that one shouldn’t take an oath. Rather, to not make such an elaborate one that contains loopholes and lacks sincerity. Just say what you mean and mean what you say. Have clarity in your communication. Follow through with what is said. Hold yourself and others accountable.
What about you? Have you had enough of the “adult world” and its business? How are you with clarity of speech? With following through? With accountability? Are there things you said you would do? Have you done it? Are there commitments that you keep doing when it really isn’t necessary, helpful or even healthy? What sense of obligation do you have? Because of accountability or sentimentality?
One thing that I know I sometimes forget when I read about Jesus’ words and sayings- He doesn’t expect us to live those words in a vacuum. We are not alone in how we are to respond to them. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us in our commitments and oaths. We have the Holy Spirit even, and especially, in our business practices.
Unfortunately, in today's world we have to be reminded that the power of an oath derives from the fact that in it we ask God to bear witness to the promises we make with the implicit expectation that He will hold us accountable for the manner in which we honor them. - Author: James L. Buckley
Fitbit
For Christmas our son gave me a Fitbit. When I worked as a wellness director it was de rigueur for many of my colleagues to wear one. I never did. I have always been a proponent of including exercise into my daily routine and at the time, didn't think it was necessary,
Well, I must say using it has been insightful and a lot of fun. I can see the appeal to the masses. Especially any one who has any streak of competitiveness. It provides instant feedback to any exercise or movement.
For those of you who are not familiar, a Fitbit looks like a watch. It is made from silicone/plastic material which is water resistant. It needs to be placed on your wrist above your pisiform bone (bulgy bit on your pinky side of your wrist). Before you begin using the Fitbit you have to enter in your gender, height and weight. The Fitbit will then continuously tell you how many steps you've taken, how many calories you have used, how many miles you have moved, and your heart rate. There is even a component that can tell you your sleep quality and pattern (haven't tried that yet).
The thing is, I have been surprised to see that my perception of how much I move is skewed. On one hand, I am amazed at how much I move during the day, especially on the days when I am just "puttering" around the house. We live in a small, two story home but I have done miles just going up and down the stairs doing laundry and putting away the Christmas decorations.
Yet, on the days that I am writing, I don't move that much. This morning I have been busy writing. Since putting on my Fitbit- a total of 44 steps! That is it. Part of me is glad that I am not up and down out of my seat like a yo-yo. However, I can see the problem with the American workforce who is pretty much glued to a seat and computer screen. Not much activity is taking place. I am experiencing first hand, why It is so important for workers to take a break at least every 60-90 minutes and move around.
I have also been surprised by my wanting to "improve" my score. When you achieve 10,000 steps your Fitbit buzzes against your skin. The other day, I made a couple extra trips to the basement just so that I could hit the 20,000 mark.
The Fitbit is integrated with my smart phone. There is an app for the Fitbit (no surprise there). It shows charts of my progress and sends me little encouraging emails. Just yesterday I received one, " Way to go! You've climbed 25 floors. The tallest trees on Earth can't top the heights you've been conquering. It's no wonder you just earned the Redwood Forest badge!"
Who writes this stuff? Corny to be sure yet I am secretly pleased. Who doesn't want to earn the Redwood Forest badge? And of course, I don't have to let my achievements stop there. I can even share my achievements with FaceBook and Twitter. Frankly, for me that would be a little too much. But, for someone who had an accountability partner or workout buddy that would be a great tool.
So far my use of the Fitbit has led me to the following conclusions:
- You don't really know what you are doing until you measure it. I would encourage you to measure your own activity level. If you do not own a Fitbit there are free apps for your smartphone which can provide a general idea of steps taken or miles walked. You can also jot down how many minutes you move or how many times you climb the stairs. Whatever unit you might use to measure, you can find a conversion online. For instance, 2,000 steps = 1 mile = 15 minutes walking.
- Everyone needs an "'atta-boy" or "well done girl" compliment to whatever we are doing. If you are trying to increase movement into your workday, give yourself a round of applause. Share your ideas and goals with a confident (spouse, friend, office worker) so that he/she can give you encouragement. If you know someone who is trying to increase his/her own activity levels- encourage him/her. Send encouraging texts. Ask how it's going. Plan on celebrating once specific goals are met.
What about you? Did you receive any "exercise-type" equipment this holiday season? What was it? Have you used it? Will you continue to do so? Have you ever measured activities that you are doing? For instance, do you know how much you move during the day? Applying the principle to other matters, do you know how much time you take answering e-mails, checking FaceBook, watching television?