Short-term thinking has long-term implications. Why? Because of the power of multiplication.
Pay Now or Later
We’re familiar with the pay-me-now or pay-me-later concept.
Actually, quick fixes can create long-term problems that we never anticipate.
Why do we get stuck looking for the quick fix?
In part, we go there because we perceive it’s hard to do what really needs to be done. An easy solution avoids us having to grapple with what we know to be the root problem.
Life Outcomes
Here’s what pay-me later looks like. We choose long-term life outcomes with each short-term decision we make.
Really? We’re accountable for our choices? Well, Yes we are accountable!
Over time, our choices have a cumulative impact on our life outcomes. Those choices may circulate around things like relationships, personal finances, or our career.
We choose long-term outcomes with each short-term decision! proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Power of Multiplication
Ok, but I didn’t see this coming? You are correct, you didn’t see it coming!
As it turns out, that’s how multiplication works. Those small, daily additions aren’t noticeable.
Wise choices, over time, multiply producing good outcomes in life. Placing money in an interest-bearing account is an example of a good outcome. Over time, we earn compound interest.
Poor choices, over time, multiply producing bad outcomes in life. Neglecting our physical health is an example of a bad outcome. How so? We’re not young and indestructible forever!
The Precept
The two most-recent blog posts have focused on releasing what’s non-essential, from Proverbs 19.11, and also on setting priorities as guided by our life purpose, from Proverbs 16.22.
This blog post looks at Proverbs 13.15, which says in part: Grasping what’s essential brings us favor.
All three verses use the Hebrew word Sekel, which means to be conscious of what’s most important, thus to identify the essential meaning of things.
So what?
The so what here is that when we recognize what’s essential we make much better decisions. We think beyond the immediate situation. And, we recognize long-term impacts of our choices.
Apply This Today!
It’s good to be present and aware in the moment. But, being mindful doesn’t excuse us from the long-term impacts of those immediate choices.
We must consider the power of multiplication as one of our decision criteria. Thus, ask: “What’s the long-term impact of this choice?”
Finally, why a photo of nutcrackers on top of this post? Well, they’re an example of multiplication! We started with one in 1990. Now, 35-years later, we have dozens of nutcrackers! Of all sizes!