Danger lurks when we lose our understanding of cause & effect. You cannot separate causes from their effect or an effect from its causes.
Beliefs have consequences on perceptions.
Perceptions have consequences on thoughts.
Thoughts have consequences on decisions.
Decisions have consequences on actions.
Actions have consequences on outcomes.
Outcomes have consequences on beliefs.
Say, for example, that you believe you have low willpower. The cycle of cause & effect has begun.
You will perceive less willpower in yourself.
That perception will create low willpower thoughts.
Those thoughts will lower your willpower to make decisions.
Those decisions will drive undisciplined action.
Those actions will create undesirable outcomes.
Those outcomes will reinforce your belief that you have low willpower.
That reinforcement will act as “proof” that your belief is accurate.
Cause & effect is happening every moment of your life. Don’t ignore it, but don’t overwhelm yourself with it, either. Pay attention. Improve your recognition of how it is happening one linkage at a time. Build your understanding brick by brick, cause by cause, effect by effect.
Event + Response = Outcome. Do the work.
Share your thoughts