DO INTENDED (OR UNINTENDED) CONSEQUENCES DETERMINE THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE?

INTENDED actions may result in UNINTENTIONAL consequences (as we know what we want to accomplish but often only think about what SHOULD happen rather than what COULD happen). INTENTIONAL (as opposed to intended) actions which are fully tested and “vetted” through others, however, typically cause and create INTENDED results. To change the direction and/or course of our lives we must do more than think about what we would like to do – we must put our thoughts and intentions into action.

When we intend to do something but do not get around to acting upon our intentions, we have nobody but ourselves to blame when an outcome is different than what we may have anticipated. Intending to leave early for a meeting does not guarantee we will arrive on time (especially if, in reality, we actually leave ten minutes late because we failed to plan properly). Intending to work hard around the house does not mow the lawn (until we intentionally start the lawn mower and follow-through on our intentions). Intending to visit a shut-in friend or relative does not provide tangible support (until we invest our time to plan and put forth effort to act). Our best intentions are thoughts not yet put into actions. Whenever we think we SHOULD do something but choose not to (for whatever reason), we are creating a good (or bad) intention that usually has no direct bearing or impact on what actually happens. When we intentionally act on our intentions, however – when we first examine the alternatives and then initiate an intentional action – we often change the course of our (or someone else’s) life.

When we choose to help another out of a jam (rather than wishing them well) we make a difference in their life.  Caution should be taken that such help does not become enabling. We should teach others how to manage their problems so they might be addressed or avoided rather than hiding from them while waiting for outside intervention. We will not change, however, until we choose to act (no matter how noble and honorable our thoughts or intentions might be). Action might translate into securing employment (or seeking new employment), seeking guidance from a knowledgeable resource, sharing our fears and concerns as to WHY something is an issue (rather than simply cowering from the issue itself), or moving from our “comfort zone” into new and unfamiliar territory as we move forward. Regardless of the action, a conscious decision to do SOMETHING must occur – even if we knowingly choose to delay acting – in order for “change” to happen. We cannot travel upon a new road until we first INTEND to move from where we are 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 – to either consciously change or intentionally maintain the status quo. Simply failing to act can be an expression of good intentions but that choice is often a hollow consideration that will not necessarily produce anticipated consequences. Choosing to act (or to delay acting), however, can create in an intended (or at least anticipated) consequence which could be or lead to an intentional (rather than an accidental) result impacting the course and direction of our own (or another’s) life.

Say what you wish (or intend) to do then ACT by doing what you said (or thought). Do not let your lack of follow-through minimize your good intentions. Bring your intentions to fruition by initiating actions that are birthed within well-considered thoughts that are put into action allowing deliberate forward intentional progress as you seek to accomplish your dreams (or the improvement of another’s position by teaching them HOW to anticipate and respond rather than telling them what to do).