Friday, March 17, 2000

Consider all the consequences

Actions and their consequences are inexorably linked. Every action has its own set of specific consequences. The more completely you consider and evaluate the consequences, the more effective your actions will be.

Often we’re tempted to act without thinking through all the possible consequences of that action. We focus on one particular desirable consequence and ignore all the others. That can be a serious mistake, leading to poor choices and undesired results.

Always keep in mind that consequences follow actions just as surely as night follows day. You cannot break that link, yet you can control your consequences by directing your actions. Remember that the consequence you desire may be packaged with others which are not so desirable. The pleasurable consequence of eating a doughnut is necessarily accompanied by the unpleasant consequences of ingesting a large amount of fat and sugar.

Think through your actions. Consider all the consequences. See the whole picture. Decide what you intend to accomplish, and take the actions which have consequences that will surely bring you there.

— Ralph Marston

Stronger       Acceptance and effectiveness

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