Have you ever said you're going to do something and then didn't follow through? We've all been there. It's easy to get distracted and let our priorities get pushed to the side.

But remember, actions speak louder than words. If you want to be considered credible and trustworthy, then you will have to act credible and trustworthy. There is no way around this. The reputation that you establish with your actions will determine how others view your credibility and trustworthiness.

If you say you're going to do something, then do it.

If you say that you're going to get up early in the morning and work on your project for two hours before going to work, then do it. If you say you're going to eat healthier, actually do it.

If you want to be a better person, start by doing what a better person would do. This isn't about being perfect but about being consistent with your actions and words. It's about doing what's right when no one is watching and the same thing when all eyes are on you. It's about doing our best when we're tired and worn out from life's challenges.

It helps build trust with others and self-trust, a vital trait.

It's easy to make excuses for why we can't do something we know we should, whether it's writing a blog post or meeting with our accountant about taxes. But if there's one thing I've learned: You have to do what you say you're going to do, or else people lose trust in your abilities.

When you have self-trust, you have confidence that you can do what you say you'll do.

The only way to build your self-trust is to practice it by doing the things that matter to you. If you dream of starting a business and have not taken action, take an action step today by researching what it takes to start your business idea. Then take the first steps toward doing so. If you want to write a book but haven't started, start writing today and every day until it's done. It’s about progress, not perfection. 

Make promises to yourself that are easy to keep (such as drinking water more often). Track the hard promises (like exercising more often). Or write down all the things you know how to do well so when challenges come up, they remind you that challenges don't mean failure. They mean learning opportunities and growth opportunities.