UNINTENTIONAL (OR THE AVOIDANCE OF) ACTIONS OFTEN BRING UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

Were we to live in an ideal world, everyone would focus more on new beginnings than on conclusions or endings.  “Drawing a line in the sand” would define more our intent to move forward than to keeping us from stepping (or falling) back – to establish that we are initiating a new path or direction rather than celebrating where we are or have been.  People far too often think that closing one chapter is more important than opening the next.  I prefer to think drawing a line in the sand should serve as a springboard launching us into the not-yet realized reality existing within our mind, heart and imagination – a destination that cannot begin to materialize unless and until we intentionally start the journey.  We must also recognize we will never experience the differences we seek unless (or until) we take intentional action to move from where we are to where we wish to be.

INTENDED actions usually result in planned and expected results BUT can also result in UNINTENTIONAL consequences if we do not monitor progress towards a goal and take steps to change our course should we become lost along the way.  Unintentional actions (or missed opportunities) almost always set wheels in motion that often stop rolling in places we had not considered, planned for or expected PARTICULARLY should we simply not act.  INTENTIONAL actions typically create INTENDED consequences but progress must be monitored to make sure that what we anticipated is coming to fruition. 

Should we wish to change the direction and/or course of our lives we must do more than think about what has to be done – we must put into action our thoughts and intentions.  When moving forward we should reflect upon the past (rather than holding tightly to it), embrace the present (while looking ahead to where we might wish to “land” as we are letting go), and seek to clearly differentiate our dreams and/or goals from the relatively easy extensions of our current circumstances as we act intentionally to bring them to fruition.  We should allow each day’s sunset to bring closure to life so the nighttime mist can nourish the dark before it gives way to the morning light offering a fresh new perspective on where we are and what must be done.  We should never be content to find shelter within what was nor seek sanctuary in a new beginning that does not lead to altered expectations or a uniquely different destination.  Far too many well-intentioned individuals stagnate just beyond their line in the sand because they were more concerned about moving from where they once were than they were with charting and planning a new path that might lead them in a different direction.

We have nobody but ourselves to blame when we intend to do something but “do not get around to it” should an outcome turn out to be different than we expected.  Intending to be early for a meeting does not guarantee an early arrival if we actually leave ten minutes late.  Intending to work hard around the house does not mow the lawn if we do not intentionally start the lawn mower.  Intending to get good grades in school does not assure us of a stellar grades unless we have intentionally decided to study.  Intending to visit a shut-in friend or relative does not constitute support until we intentionally and deliberately invest our time and efforts to do so.  Our best intentions are just that – intended thoughts not put into actions.  Whenever we think we SHOULD do something but we choose not to (for whatever reason), we initiate an unintended action.  When we choose not to act intentionally, however – examining the alternatives and acting (or NOT acting by design) we often change the course of our (or someone else’s) life.

Nelson Mandela once wrote that “another may forget what you say or what you do but they will never forget how you made them feel.”  When we choose to help another out of a jam (rather than wishing them well as we watch them flounder) we make a difference in their life.  Caution should be taken, however, that such help does not become enabling.  We should teach those around us how to manage their problems so they might be avoided rather than hiding from them while seeking outside intervention, help or assistance.  We will not change, however, until we choose to act no matter how noble and honorable our intentions.  Action might translate into finding a program or class, securing employment (or new employment), seeking guidance from a knowledgeable resource, initiating a new relationship or intentionally doing things that will move you from your “comfort zone” into unfamiliar territory.  Regardless of the action, a conscious decision to take intentional action must occur – even if intentionally and knowingly choosing not to act – in order for “change” to happen.  We cannot travel a new road until we first INTEND to move then put that intention into action by venturing forward.

We cannot change our (or another’s) future – contribute to anyone’s good – until we CHOOSE to act.  In order to either consciously change or intentionally maintain the status quo we must do things differently than they have been done before OR know why we are doing them the same until something different is warranted.  Simply failing to act can be an expression of good intentions – a hollow consideration that will not produce a desirable consequence.  Do not let yourself live a life of unintended consequences by either failing to act OR acting in a way that would ensure failure due to your lack of planning or intentionality.  Do what you say, say what you do – or what you intend to do – then ACT.  Do not let your lack of action define and/or invalidate your good intentions, rather bring your intentions to fruition by focusing your actions and moving deliberately forward towards the accomplishment of your yet to be fully defined or discovered dreams.