In one of Sahil Bloom’s recent posts, he talks about how you can judge a person by two things they do – one, how they treat those serving them, and two, if they return the trolley to the correct place.
Sounds almost silly. But then take a second and think about it.
The first action shows if they respect others, irrespective of their position or other attributes, as human beings or not.
The second action shows if they acknowledge their ownership and responsibility.
Both these are powerful and deeply insightful, revealing profound truths about the character of the person.
What appears to be small, rather insignificant, actions are actually a reflection of your true self. It’s a lens through which you can evaluate your own values and behaviour.
How Everyday Actions Define Your Character
It’s a given that how you present yourself to others is different from what you actually are in private. A few intimates may have access to that part of you. And an even fewer may actually know you.
But it needs a different mindset to be able to merge the two personas together, at least to some extent.
How you present yourself in public and in private needs a different level of awareness and self-confidence.
The manner in which you speak to those who serve you shows if you value them for what they are. Like, the waiter at the restaurant or the cashier at the checkout counter.
When you respect them and treat them like human beings, it builds your empathy, humility and respect. It requires you to see others as equals and consider them to be on the same equal footing, irrespective of social attributes.
The second action demonstrates your sense of responsibility and accountability, and ownership.
It also displays your self-discipline. Are you ready to follow rules without external enforcement? Say, following traffic rules or proper parking or not defacing public property, or not throwing trash anywhere.
If you belong to the majority who always wants others to do things for them without contributing in reciprocity, then it’s time for a rethink.
The trolley is just a representation of the thought process. If you’re willing to contribute for the greater good without being told, or being checked, or under the fear of retribution, then you’ve truly become responsible.
What These Small Actions Reveal About You?
If not for these small actions, how else would you measure true character?
To develop this kind of mindset needs regular practice. It has to become a part of you, and not something to be practiced as per convenience.
It needs to be nurtured from childhood. The earlier you start teaching such values to children, the earlier they will learn to think about others and be less self centered.
Building empathy, responsibility, ownership and respect for others in a child, or even an adult, has to be seen as self-development, as part of the process to become a better human being.
Get them to think by asking reflective questions or role playing scenarios. Practice the principles you want them to emulate and follow.
A recent study by Harvard Business Review found that leaders who practice humility in their daily actions are better at inspiring higher team morale and performance. It’s an obvious result when you treat people with regard and esteem.
Subtle gestures, like allowing them to speak or letting them take the lead or listening to them, resonate profoundly, shaping the essence of who you are.
It fosters kindness and nurtures meaningful connections. It forms the foundation of trustworthiness and reliability.
It exhibits you as a dependable person with strong values, creating a positive impression on the minds of those interacting with you.
Conclusion
It may appear insignificant but your small actions speak volumes about the kind of person you are. They reflect the values you practice.
Even without saying a single word, you’ve let people know more about you than you wanted to share.
It is essential to be mindful of your actions, even when no one’s watching. It’s these moments that define you.
Respect others. Own your responsibility. Lead with quiet integrity. The world needs more leaders like you to make it a better place.
So the next time you’re faced with a seemingly insignificant choice, like where to leave the shopping trolley, remember that its more than a choice; it’s a reflection of who you are.