INTENTIONS AND RESULTS

Good intentions are undeniably important. If we wish to see the world as a more benevolent and peaceful place, we must start with benevolent and peaceful intentions.

At a higher level of Tao wisdom, we learn that good intentions are not enough. Results matter, too. We can make a mess of things sometimes. When that happens, we cannot pardon ourselves by saying that at least our intentions were good. Instead, we need to take ownership of the problem and not place the responsibility on other people.

Someone who does not understand this will blame others when miscommunication occurs. “They just don’t get it,” he may say. He does not see himself at fault, since his intention was not to confuse others. Tao cultivators are just the opposite. If the result of their communication is less than satisfactory, then it means they must improve. They need to communicate more clearly, and perhaps more slowly.

The Tao Today

Place more emphasis on your results while keeping your intentions positive. Recognize that when someone misunderstands you, it is only your patient explanations, and not all the good intentions in the world, that will resolve the misunderstanding. The life of a cultivator is all about concrete results. Intentions are just a footnote.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin