His mother had often said, When you choose an action, you choose the consequences of that action. She had emphasized the corollary of this axiom even more vehemently: when you desired a consequence you had damned well better take the action that would create it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Actions determine consequences, and achieving a desired outcome requires taking the specific action that causes it.
- In plain terms
- Choose actions wisely since they lead to consequences, and take the right action to get what you want.
- What can you take from it?
- Desired outcomes require deliberate actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we ensure actions match goals?
- What limits the link between action and outcome?
Another view
External factors can sometimes prevent actions from leading to expected consequences.
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