As a child I had a fear that I could never be a chess master because I wouldn’t be able to fit all the information into my mind. Sometimes after two hours of a chess lesson, my teacher’s words seemed to go in one ear and out the other, and I envisioned a brain filled to the brim. Where could I ever put so much more? And if I did manage to cram everything in there, how would I be able to sort through the stuff?
Each time we see the need to let go of something – a bad habit that drags us down, an unsatisfactory relationship, a career choice that can’t complete us in the way we dreamed it would, or maybe unrealistic expectations of ours about others that eventually spoil our partnerships with them – whatever it may be: what is it that’s actually happened in these moments of honest self-examination? See if this simple answer doesn’t describe our situation:
Aren’t we being “asked” to give up an existing relationship in order to make room in our lives for something higher? Of course we are. Then why is it so hard to act on our intuition? After all, who doesn’t want a life that’s better, brighter, and truer?
On Monday, Ken and Karen were given until Friday to decide whether or not they wanted to transfer to a new department at work. Each morning, the dark circles under Ken’s eyes were more prominent. By Friday morning, he was so worried and weary that his voice trembled slightly when he asked for an extension of the deadline, “I’m exhausted. There are so many things to think about. I can’t figure out which decision to make.”
Karen’s work situation was virtually identical to Ken’s. Their personal responsibilities and support networks were so similar that they had instantly bonded as coworkers. Even though Karen had been given the same pressing deadline to make a decision, she showed no evidence of stress. Apparently, her decision-making was quick and easy. On Wednesday morning, she informed the supervisor with a confident voice and a thumbs-up sign, “The best choice is clear to me. I’m ready to make the transfer.”
Good intentions are wonderful. It is fantastic to have good intentions in life. They are a brilliant starting block and you can leap ahead from your good intentions and make powerful moves in life. The problem is that intention is not a solitary concept, it has a best pal and they work really well together. That crucial comrade is called action and good actions should naturally spring from good intentions. If they do not, the good intentions were futile.
Having good intentions without the subsequent good actions is…well, a bit lazy to be honest. It is one big cop out. It means you can have all the good intentions in the world without ever really having to take any responsibility.