Bedtime Stories -or Why Promises Are Free

 Do you know what the easiest thing in the world is? To talk. This is especially true if you are a politician, a manager, or just someone who really wants to look important. We will amend this; we will change that. “I start a diet "tomorrow"—phrases that fly through the air like autumn leaves.

But as the old saying goes, "It is easy to talk; it is difficult to do.”

The truth is most evident in the political circus: They are true masters of this discipline. Before elections, promises are poured out like cheap wine at a wedding. You watch them on TV—confident, neat, with fiery speeches about the “bright future” and “social justice." Everything sounds so logical that you even start to believe it yourself. And what happens after that? The elections are over; they enter the cabinet and... surprise! Suddenly the "objective circumstances" change, the budget is not enough, the opposition is getting in the way, and the promised reforms somehow evaporate in the fog of everyday bureaucracy.

Why is this so? Speaking is a simple task, as it only requires adequate articulation and someone to listen to you. However, actions require strict discipline, taking responsibility, and the ability to commit.

Let's not just blame politicians, because we are the same. How many times have we said the following:

"I start working out on Monday!" (And on Wednesday we are already in front of the TV with pizza in hand).

"I will quit smoking now!" (And every time they see us smoking, we say that this is our last cigarette).

"I will spend more time with my family!" (And we are still glued to our phones until midnight).

The difference between talking and reality is always the same element: effort. Talking is like dreaming out loud—it is pleasant; it does not require physical fatigue. Action is boring; it requires sweat, and often you have to do things you do not want to do.

What’s the bottom line?

The next time you hear someone making big promises—be it a candidate for office or an acquaintance who wants to “invest your money”—just smile and wait for the actions. Actions don’t speak; they just show. And words? They’re just noise that usually dies down just before the real work begins.

So, the next time you decide to promise something to yourself—stop for a second. Take a breath. And instead of talking, just do it. Because at the end of the day, no one remembers the memorable speeches; the results are remembered.  

Author Sezgin Ismailov