One Act

I read something this morning by James Clear that I really like.  It is very much up my alley and what I give a bit of thought to.  “You may not control the outcome, but you can influence it.”
Those that know me know I am big on choice.  Big on the fact that ultimately everyone makes their own choices in life.  There may be influences for good at work and it may be obvious to others the best way to go, but ultimately it is up to someone to make their own choices.  Some choices lead to liberty while others lead to death and destruction.
Initially results may be an inkling only and diametrically opposed to the bet way and harder.  Instant gratification can cost.  Good choices call for a care that may not be there.
My immediate need may be sated at an unnecessary cost.  A bit like “hang the expense and throw the cat another cannery.”   It cost me, and it cost the cannery.  The only one satisfied may be the cat, and the cat would have been satisfied with a cat dinner.
This is where I so much like “You may not control the outcome, but you can influence it” comes in.
My role is to influence for good.  I fall short of that aspiration big time at times, but at other times I can walk away knowing I have done the right thing.
But it can be hard.  I guess it is why it is called “tough love.”  Sometimes my decisions cause another grief in the short term, and I get no pleasure out of that.  All I know is to stay the course.  What was right initially remains right despite circumstances.  Giving in may bring peace, but it is the peace of loss.  A loss of a wrong is a win.  A loss of what's valid is a loss.
My influence needs to always be love.  It may not be initially forthcoming or come as naturally as I would like, but to me that is where something else he said fits. “The most likely way to uncover important insights is to frequently revisit a problem. The longer you're in the game, the more ideas bubble up to the surface.  Time unlocks insights.”
I find that is so much the case.  What may initially be done just because it is believed to be the right thing to do, becomes something with overwhelming benefits.  Love is always good for me, and good for others. Results can be exponential.  One act of love can prevent a multitude of wrongs and promote a multitude of good things.
I do not know what the outcome will be.  I cannot control it.  But I can influence it.