Every Behavior has a Consequence

“When you choose the behavior, you also choose the consequence that is attached to that action.”

I originally posted this when I first entered the world of blogging about a year and a half ago. It seemed to resonate with many readers, so I am bringing it back again. I have since added a picture. In my early days of blogging, I had no idea how to do such a thing. (Until Todd Lohenry discovered this post and taught me a lot of what I know today about the blogging world.)

Here goes…

First, look at the consequences and decide.  Is this what I really want?

My dad once told me, “Remember what you know.”  Through the years, I have found this to be great advice.  So many times we forget simple truths in life, things that we already know.  Often, I write about these simple truths to not only remind my readers, but to also remind myself of things that we already know and may have forgotten to practice in our lives.

Today I write about choices.

Every choice that we make is followed by a consequence.  Too often, we act impulsively, not taking the time to think through the possible repercussions of our actions.  We do not play the tape through, which means that we do not visualize the backlash of our thoughts and behaviors.  We simply act without thinking it through in its totality.

Whether our choices are impulsive or well thought out, the consequences will be the same. Take the time to play the tape through. The choices we make when emotions are high, we usually come to regret. Take a moment to think it all the way through.

Obvious things that we forget:

•  When you eat three pieces of chocolate cake, you choose to gain weight.  How bad do you want the cake?
• When you choose to stay up too late, you choose to be tired the next day.  Do you want to be tired?
• When you choose to drink too much alcohol, you choose a hangover or worse.  Is this what you really want?
•  When you choose to show up late for work three days in a row, you choose to lose your job.  Do you want your job?
• When you choose to blow off the test, you choose to fail it.  Do you want to fail your class?
• When you choose to eat unhealthy foods, you choose to be unhealthy.  Do you want to be unhealthy?
•  When you choose to give up exercise, you choose to be out of shape.  Do you want to be unhealthy and out of shape?
•  When you choose to tell off your boss, you choose to be fired.  Do you want to be fired?
• When you choose to neglect your relationships, you choose to feel isolated.  Do you want to be alone?
• When you choose to be pessimistic, you choose to be unhappy.  Do you want to be unhappy?
•  When you choose to lie, you choose to be doubted.  Do you want to be doubted?
•  When you choose to be kind, you choose to have friends.  Do you want friends?
•  When you choose to love others, you choose to be loved.  Do you want to be loved?
• When you choose to respect yourself, you choose to be respected by others.  Do you want others to respect you?
• When you choose to seek support, you choose to put an end to your isolation.  Do you want companionship?
• When you choose to make your behaviors match your values, you choose to have peace.  Do you want peace?
• When you choose to step out of your comfort zone, you choose to grow and live more abundantly. Do you want to live more abundantly?
• When you choose to think that you can, you choose to be successful.  Do you want to succeed?
• When you choose to follow your goals with action, you choose to accomplish them.  Do you want to accomplish goals?
•  When you choose to love yourself, you choose to love others?  Do you want to love others?
•  When you choose to be honest, you choose to be trusted.  Do you want to be trusted?
• When you choose to work hard, you choose the rewards.  Do you want certain rewards?
• When you choose to be grateful, you choose to be fulfilled. Do you want to feel fulfilled?

You are in control of your choices and with this comes great power and freedom.

Think it through!

Related book:

Life Strategies by Phillip C. McGraw. Ph.D