You Made Your Bed … by Frank Sonnenberg

I’m sure you’ve experienced the pain of accidentally touching a hot stove. (Ouch!) Even though it was unintentional, and it hurt, you learned to be more cautious. However, there are times when you intentionally make choices that lead to difficulties — that’s the nature of consequences. As the adage goes, “You made your bed; now lie in it.”

Once you’ve made a choice, you’re accountable for the outcome — whether it’s positive or negative. Though it may seem obvious, why are people surprised when they’re forced to accept the consequences of their actions?

Consequences are not something that happen to you; they are created by you.

Actions Have Consequences

Every action you take will either benefit you or create challenges, much like an investment that can yield great returns or result in loses. Sometimes, I wonder if people act without thinking.

Do you:

Surround yourself with toxic people?
Make inappropriate comments on social media?
Drink and drive?
Live beyond your means?
Cheat to achieve success?
Step on people’s toes to get ahead?
Fail to pull your weight?
Take things that don’t belong to you?
Eat unhealthy foods or lead a sedentary lifestyle?
Engage in unethical business practices?
Demand rewards without earning them?

You might think, “I know people who’ve done these things, and got away with it.” However, even if it takes time, they’ll eventually pay the price. When that happens, they may complain life isn’t fair, but their real frustration usually stems more from getting caught, than from the wrongdoing itself. They knew exactly what they were doing. They made their bed; now they must lie in it.

On the other hand, some folks with strong moral character make every effort to live honorably and do what’s right. They, too, have made a choice. They don’t have to worry about their future, as the seeds they plant today will bear bountiful harvests later. Does this sound familiar?

Do you:

Set high expectations?
Bring out the best in people?
Refuse to cut corners?
Build win-win relationships?
Invest in your personal growth?
Exhibit a strong work ethic?
Make a difference in people’s lives?
Live with honor and integrity?
Pass your values on to your kids?
Lead by example?
Consider the long-term consequences of your actions?

It’s Your Choice

Every day, you face countless choices that seem trivial: whether to get out of bed or sleep a few extra minutes, jump right in or put things off, buy something now or save your money, eat what you want or choose the healthier option, hit the gym or skip it.

Yet, every decision you make, no matter how small, will shape your future in ways you might not immediately see. The issue is that we often make snap decisions without considering their long-term impact. Just as every purchase comes with a bill, every choice has its own consequences. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future depends on what you do today.”

It’s not enough to react to the fallout after the damage is done; you need to think about the consequences beforehand. Are you comfortable with the choices you’re making? Give that some thought. By thinking ahead, you can avoid having to backtrack. Remember, “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your choices.” You made your bed; now lie in it.

Check out Frank’s new book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose