Wise Quote Wednesday V.29
"Those who can do, those who can’t talk about those who can."
~Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington’s quote is a sharp reminder of the difference between those who take action to make things happen and those who stand on the sidelines, content to criticize and comment. In a world where judgment and opinions often come from those who are least involved, this quote urges us to take an honest look at our own lives: Are we acting on our dreams, or are we letting fear, insecurity, or complacency hold us back while we talk about others who dare to take the leap?
The Power of Taking Action
At the heart of this quote is the importance of action. The people who achieve their dreams and make things happen are those who take the leap, who are willing to put themselves out there, face the unknown, and take risks. They are the ones who, despite setbacks, failures, and criticism, continue to show up and do the work.
Action is what turns an idea into reality, what separates a dream from an accomplishment. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and watch others, to make judgments, and to talk about what others are doing. But true growth, progress, and fulfillment come from stepping into the arena and taking action, not from watching others and talking about what they are doing.
Overcoming the Fear of Judgment
One of the reasons many people hold back from taking action is the fear of judgment. They worry about what others will say, how they will be perceived, and whether they will be criticized. The irony is that those who sit on the sidelines and criticize often do so because they are too afraid to take action themselves. They use criticism as a way to protect themselves from confronting their own fears and insecurities.
But Denzel’s quote encourages us to rise above that fear. Those who are actively pursuing their dreams know that criticism is part of the journey. They understand that it’s easy for others to judge from a distance, but what truly matters is the work they are doing, the risks they are taking, and the growth they are experiencing along the way. By choosing action over fear, they take control of their own story and build something meaningful.
The Value of Focused Energy
Those who achieve their goals are the ones who put their energy into creating rather than criticizing. It takes a lot of mental and emotional energy to pursue a dream—to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and stay committed. But it also takes energy to criticize others, and when that energy is focused outward, it’s not being used productively.
Think about the time and energy spent talking about what others are doing. Imagine if that energy were instead focused on taking steps toward your own goals. By channeling your energy into your own growth, you are able to make real progress and take control of your own success.
This is the difference between those who can and those who can’t—those who can put their energy into action, while those who can’t use their energy to talk about others.
Turning Criticism into Motivation
The people who sit on the sidelines and criticize are often motivated by their own insecurities or frustrations. They may feel stuck in their own lives and lash out at those who are moving forward. Instead of letting this criticism bring you down, use it as motivation to keep going.
The truth is, if you’re pursuing something meaningful, you will encounter critics. There will always be those who question your decisions, who doubt your abilities, or who envy your courage to take risks. The key is not to let their words deter you. Instead, let their doubt fuel your determination. Use it as a reminder that you are doing something they are too afraid to do, and that you are moving forward while they remain stuck.
Becoming the Doer
Denzel’s quote isn’t just about recognizing the difference between those who act and those who talk—it’s about choosing which side you want to be on. Are you going to be the person who takes action, who faces challenges, and who goes after what you want in life? Or are you going to be the person who sits back, criticizes others, and avoids taking any risks?
Choosing to be the doer means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the uncertainty that comes with pursuing something meaningful. It means being willing to fail, to learn, and to grow. It means understanding that progress is rarely linear, and that setbacks are part of the journey. But most importantly, it means taking responsibility for your own life, rather than focusing on what others are doing.
Shifting the Narrative
The easiest way to identify whether you are on the path of action or criticism is to pay attention to your own thoughts and conversations. Are you focusing on your own goals, taking steps to improve, and pushing yourself to grow? Or are you spending more time talking about what others are doing, pointing out their flaws, or justifying why you aren’t taking action yourself?
If you find that your energy is being directed toward criticizing others, it’s not too late to change. Shifting the narrative means turning inward, identifying your own goals and dreams, and taking responsibility for pursuing them. It means using your time and energy to build something meaningful for yourself rather than talking about the actions of others.
Choose to Be a Doer
Denzel Washington’s quote is a call to action for all of us. It’s a reminder that success, growth, and fulfillment come from taking action, not from criticizing or talking about others. The people who achieve their dreams are those who are willing to put themselves out there, to face challenges, and to do the work, even when it’s difficult or uncertain.
So, which side will you choose? Will you be the one who takes action, who works toward your dreams, and who makes things happen? Or will you be the one who stands on the sidelines, talking about what others are doing but never taking that leap yourself?
The choice is yours. And the best part? You don’t need anyone’s permission to start. You can decide today, right now, to take a step toward your dreams, to put in the work, and to become the doer that Denzel speaks of. Take the risk, embrace the challenge, and create the life you want—because that’s where true fulfillment lies.
*SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW TO HAVE YOUR QUOTE FEATURED ON ONE OF OUR UPCOMING WISE QUOTE WEDNESDAY!*
Make sure to follow us on social media!
- Instagram: @wisedreamerscommunity
- Facebook: wisedreamersclothing
- X: @wise_dreamers
Subscribe to our Youtube channel:
🐘🌍