Actions have consequences. Obviously.
But what about the consequences of those consequences?
And their consequences?
That's where shit gets interesting. And where most people around you stop thinking.
Imagine tossing a pebble into a pond: First consequence? A satisfying plunk and ripples spreading outward.
But then those ripples hit the edge and bounce back. They create new, smaller ripples — which interact again.
Some cancel out. Others amplify.
A pattern emerges that everyone can observe — but only few can predict.
Take this real life example:
- A city widens roads to reduce traffic congestion (= Action).
- Traffic flow improves (= 1st-order consequence).
- So more people choose to drive (= 2nd-order consequence).
- Then, traffic, pollution, and congestion spike (= 3rd-order consequence).
- As a result, walkability drops (= 4th-order consequence).
- And local businesses begin to suffer (= 5th-order consequence).
… and so on.
The further out you can anticipate higher order consequences, the more powerful of a decision-maker you will become.
When making decisions, consider the ripples.
It's the difference between short-term gains and long-term success.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." — John Muir
Cheers,
Phil
---
I've recently launched Mosaic. A unique personal development tool unlike anything you've seen before.
You can get Mosaic now with 50% off.
Learn More Now →
