On actions and reactions

If you apply a certain force to someone, expect a force of at least equal magnitude to be exerted on you. To paraphrase Newton’s third law, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Bringing the whole thing back to a less philosophical and low-level level, I could say that it’s absolutely foolish not to imagine that an action will always have consequences of equal or greater intensity.

This is why actions, especially in the professional sphere, need to be carefully considered. I’ve learned the hard way to settle, to set aside, to evaluate and then react. It’s not always possible, of course; you can’t stand still for long. But before moving, it’s best to look right and left, make sure you don’t step on any shit next time, and verify that further ahead, at the intersection around the corner, the road is indeed free of traffic jams.

Acting on impulse risks turning a valid request into a boomerang. It exposes you to unforeseen consequences. It compromises you if you act impulsively. And then you have to start gluing together the pieces of a broken behavior, hoping no one has been lost. You’re always wrong, unless you’re lucky. You’ll then be forced to correct it, losing confidence, authority, and control.

Count to ten. Even to a hundred, if you can. Act at the right time and in the right way, imagining scenarios and reactions. Expect to always find a closed door to bail on, because no one will ever let you off the hook. And think before you act.