Be Aware of the Consequences

I would like to share with you a concept that is so simple yet it's one that many have trouble with.

It all begins with thought.

Thoughts then lead to choices.

Choices lead to consequences - which can be either good or bad.

To summarize:

As an example, you are running late for an appointment. You make a decision (choice) to speed. You put your foot down on the accelerator so the car goes faster.

The consequence can be good if you get there without a speeding ticket; bad if you get one - or good if you got to the appointment on time and the ticket didn't worry you.

The question now becomes: What consequences would you like in life?

While this is a very important concept to teach to children, it is also important for adults.

Everything you think, say and do has a consequence. It's either going to make you feel good or bad to some degree.

There's a consequence for sleeping in, eating your food too fast, telling another person what you think of them, being late, being early ... and the list goes on.

Here's the Problem ...

When things are not going right for you (bad consequence), how do you react?

One of the most common reactions is ...

BLAME

It's the policeman's fault for booking me, the kids made me late and the traffic was bad.

Children often think they can swear at their parents and call them names without there being a bad consequence.

People think they should be able to break the law or do something wrong without a bad consequence.

In other words, the thing most people try and change is the consequence.

"I should be allowed to ... " and "It's not my fault ... (so let me off)".

So, when you think about it, every thing we do we expect a good consequence.

Problem is, this is the hardest part to change.

Which, out of "Choices", "Actions" and "Consequences", is the easiest to change?

Choices.

The switched-on person knows this. They can accurately predict the consequences to any thought, to any choices they make.

If you don't like the consequence you are receiving, make a better choice.

Some people continue to make bad choices which continually leads to bad consequences. They then say they have had enough and want to change. When they fail to change (especially when they know how to), it means they receive a greater benefit from the bad consequence. In other words, what we perceive as a bad consequence is actually a good consequence to them - otherwise they would have changed!

To Get It Right ...

Think of the consequences before you make a choice.

Are the consequences going to work for you or against you?

For example, if you swear at or harshly degrade your partner or boss, what is the consequence? If you are nice, what are the consequences?

If you let people take a photograph of you in a compromising situation, what are the possible consequences?

If you fail to do what is required of you, what are the consequences?

Once you have identified the desired consequences, back-track to the actions and choices you need to make to achieve that consequence.

Good luck.