How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
We are free to choose our actions, . . . but we are not free to choose the consequences of these actions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We can decide what we do, but we can't control the outcomes of those decisions.
This quote by Stephen Covey highlights the distinction between our ability to make choices and the inevitability of their consequences. While we have the freedom to act according to our will, the results of those actions are often beyond our control, reminding us to take responsibility for our choices and to be mindful of their potential impact.
Themes
FreedomChoicesConsequencesResponsibilityActions
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal responsibility.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes βIf you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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Listen with your eyes for feelings.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
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