Balancing Consequence and Intent

But I intended to… not my fault it did not work out as planned.

Looking
at my own experience over the years, the gap between intent and
consequence is beyond measure; but not beyond the every-moment pain. No
doubt we all share the gap; the only difference resides in the degree
(of self-deception).

In most aspects we lean toward the side of intent, often ignoring
consequence. How do we regain the balance where consequence and
culpability are the primary characteristic of who we are?

Intent: a shallow consideration highlighted by mentally laziness or a self-serving delusion.

Consequence: Emotional, psychological, and overall outcome of action — be it in words or in the physical.

Instead of rehashing the past, let’s move on to today and
examine one of the core reasons why intent and consequence rarely run
parallel: self-delusion.

What is self-delusion? By my definition, it is closed-eye reality where all one sees is the darkness of inner want.

Truth is, the past is the past so now all we can do is come up with a
plan to regain balance and live a life where choice and action run
closer as one.

Career: When it comes to work, shrugging off
responsibility or cleansing your hands by shouldering burdens to another
is not a sign balance, this is a sign of self-deception. As a business
owner, when tough decisions are needed to be made such as lay-offs or
pay increases, I don’t look at employee intent, I evaluate balance
between intent and consequence. I look for employees who accept
responsibility, who own the mission, who don’t put burdens on fellow
peers, and whose intent is consistent with consequence.

Justice-Involved: Our non-profit is about giving
second chances and our intense programs have been developed to open
eyes, accept responsibility, bring intent and consequences closer, and
to secure a path where freedom, respect, and success become part of each
person’s core. In this capacity, we hear the stories of “it was not
meant to happen this way,” “it’s not my fault,” “there is nothing I can
do about my situation,” and so many more excuses pushing intent to the
next level… there is no balance within those making excuses for their
failure.

Under the umbrella of balancing consequence and intent, there
are a few things we can ALL do now to get it right (or at least not so
wrong):

• Think BEFORE you do
• Be the other person and consider his/her feelings
• Make a list of what might go wrong and what will happen if it does (and the worst case usually happens – prove me wrong
• Recognize there are only TWO choices: the right thing or the wrong thing

By following the four bullets above, changes will happen in your life… no matter tribulations of the past.

In your career, make choices based upon outer-vision, not inner self-delusion.

For those with a stumbled background, be who you are meant to be, not who others think you have become.

In conclusion, I ask you take the first step: take ownership in your life… only you control YOU, no more excuses or playing the victim.

Call to action

2^nd Chance University is a non-profit designed for those
who have stumbled within our justice system as they regain their
Commitment, Hope, and Empowerment.

At current, we are seeking partnerships to bring our programs to
communities across the nation. If you work with or know of
organizations, work force centers, penal institutions, and/or judges and
district attorneys committed to changing people’s path, bring it on.
Together we can change the world, one person at a time.

Danny Huffman
2nd Chance University
407-878-0474
dhuffman@2ndChanceUniversity.org