There’s a fine line between saying and doing. Some people talk a big game but when it comes to actually taking action, they’re nowhere to be found.
This is about discerning those who are all talk from those who are all action. And believe it or not, there are certain phrases that can give someone away.
If you frequently hear these 9 phrases from someone, chances are they’re more about words than action.
Here’s a sneak peek into that list of phrases that may signal a person is all talk, and no action. So, let’s dive right in.
1) “I will do it later…”
We’ve all been there – promising ourselves or others that we’ll get to a task “later.” But when it comes to people who are all talk and no action, “later” can often mean “never.”
This phrase is a classic example of procrastination and is often used by people who have no real intention of following through on their commitments.
Don’t get me wrong, we all use this phrase from time to time. Life gets busy, and sometimes things do need to be put off until later. The issue arises when “I will do it later” becomes the standard response.
This phrase can provide immediate relief from the pressure of a task, but it’s also a clear sign that the person might be more talk than action. If you consistently hear this phrase, it might be time to question whether they’ll ever move from words to action.
Beware of the “I will do it later” catchphrase. It’s a clear red flag pointing towards a lack of commitment and follow-through.
2) “I was going to…”
Here’s a personal story. A while back, I had a friend who was always full of plans and ideas. He talked about starting a business, quitting his job, learning a new language – you name it!
One phrase he frequently used was “I was going to…”
“I was going to start that business, but then XYZ happened.” There were always reasons not to start.
At first, I used to empathize. After all, we all have barriers that we need to overcome. But as time went on, I realized that these were just excuses. The phrase “I was going to” was his way of avoiding action while still sounding like he had good intentions.
It’s one thing to have plans disrupted by unforeseen circumstances – life happens. But when “I was going to” becomes a habitual phrase, it’s often a sign of someone who’s all talk and no action.
So watch out for this phrase in your conversations. It might just reveal more than you think about a person’s willingness to act on their words. And save you a good deal of energy listening to their stories, since you’ll need to set a boundary at some point!
3) “I don’t have time…”
“I don’t have time” is a phrase frequently used by people who are all talk and no action. It’s an easy excuse to avoid doing something that you’ve committed to or that you know you should do.
However, here’s the catch. According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American has about 5 hours of free time each day. That’s after accounting for work, sleep, and other essential activities.
Now, this isn’t to say that everyone has a surplus of free time. We all have different responsibilities and priorities. But it does suggest that “I don’t have time” could often be more about unwillingness to make time rather than a genuine lack of it.
4) “Let’s play it by ear…”
“Let’s play it by ear” is a phrase commonly used by those who prefer to keep things open-ended. While it can sometimes be necessary given uncertain circumstances, using this phrase frequently may signal a lack of commitment or initiative.
These folks often rely on this phrase. It allows them to sound agreeable and flexible without having to firmly commit to anything. They can keep their options open and avoid the responsibility that comes with making a solid decision.
While improvisation has its place, consistent reliance on “playing it by ear” may suggest a lack of planning or follow-through. It’s the perfect escape route for those who prefer talking about plans rather than executing them.
If you notice someone using this phrase a lot, it might be an indication that they’re more talk than action.
5) “I should really…”
“I should really…” is another phrase often heard from those who are all talk and no action. It’s a way to acknowledge that something needs to be done without actually committing to doing it.
When someone says “I should really start exercising” or “I should really get to that project,” they’re expressing an intention without any clear plan of action. It’s a noncommittal way of acknowledging a task or goal without promising to act on it.
They often have good intentions but struggle with turning those intentions into actions. They’re masters of talking about what they should do, but not so great at actually doing it.
6) “One day, I’ll…”
“One day, I’ll…” is a phrase that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s filled with dreams and aspirations, but sadly, it often lacks a plan of action.
What I mean is without action taken toward these dreams, they remain just that – dreams.
This phrase is often used by those who are all talk and no action to create an illusion of ambition and forward-thinking. But without a timeline or actionable steps to achieve these goals, “one day” can quickly turn into “never.”
It’s important to realize that our dreams are valid and valuable. But they require more than just words – they need action.
A response you can gracefully give next time you’re faced with the phrase “One day I will…” is “One day, it’s not a day of the week.”
7) “It’s not the right time…”
“It’s not the right time” is a phrase I’ve found myself using quite a bit, particularly when facing something challenging or intimidating. It’s a way to postpone action, to convince myself that I’ll be better equipped to handle it in the future.
The reality is, that waiting for the “right time” can often lead to indefinite postponement. Because let’s face it – life is unpredictable, and the perfect moment we’re waiting for may never come.
This phrase is a common fallback for those who are all talk and no action. It allows them to delay action without completely discarding their plans or goals. However, the constant delay can often lead to stagnation.
When you hear someone saying “It’s not the right time” regularly, it might be a sign they are more prone to talking about actions rather than taking them.
8) “I’m thinking about…”
“I’m thinking about…” is a phrase that’s often used by people who are more talk than action. It’s a way to express interest or intent without committing to any concrete action.
When someone says “I’m thinking about joining the gym” or “I’m thinking about taking a course,” they’re keeping their options open without making any firm decisions. While there’s nothing wrong with considering different options, consistently remaining in the ‘thinking’ phase can indicate indecisiveness or lack of initiative.
People who are all talk and no action often use this phrase as a safety net. It allows them to discuss plans and ideas without actually following through on them.
In essence, if you hear “I’m thinking about…” being used frequently, it might be an indication that the person is more likely to talk about plans rather than put them into action.
9) “I could have…”
“I could have…” is perhaps one of the most revealing phrases used by those who are all talk and no action. It’s an expression of regret, a look back at missed opportunities or unfulfilled potential.
When someone frequently says “I could have started that business” or “I could have taken that job,” they’re dwelling in the realm of possibilities rather than realities. It’s a reflection of their inaction, a sign of opportunities missed due to lack of initiative or fear of taking risks.
While it’s human nature to reflect on our past choices, consistently focusing on what “could have” been is a clear indication that someone is more comfortable talking about action than actually taking it.
Actions speak louder than words. And when it comes to spotting the difference, this phrase can be a key indicator.
Final thoughts: It’s all about action
The essence of human achievement lies in our ability to move from intention to action. It’s not merely about what we say or intend to do, but what we do that shapes our lives and the world around us.
I once got a present that turned out to be more deep than I looked at first. It was a T-shirt with the message: Show me, don’t tell me. It became a motto, a way of thinking.
The phrases discussed in this article may be red flags indicating a pattern of all talk and no action. However, it’s important to remember that change is possible. Patterns can be broken, habits can be formed, and actions can shape our destiny.
So as we wrap up this discussion, let’s carry with us the importance of action – because at the end of the day, actions truly do speak louder than words.
