#189 Yes! Yes! Yes! I mean wait a second...

Growth Instigators Hotline970.306.6432Yes Yes Yes!  … I mean wait a second!Thank you for calling GIH where we instigate growth one call at a time where we utilize antiquated technology to deliver 3-minute leadership lessons every week day!  This is message #189 and I am Aaron Havens.Most of us make decisions by only considering the immediate effects or the first-order consequences. But second-order thinking pushes us to consider the impact of those effects and the chain reaction that follows—essentially, thinking several moves ahead.  Let’s break that down for a second.First-Order Consequences… These are the immediate, direct results of an action. They’re usually straightforward and often the motivating factor behind why we make a choice in the first place. For instance, if you decide to stay up late to watch a movie, the first-order consequence is the enjoyment and relaxation from the movie.  This is how grocery stores make extra cash.  They put the almond joys right by the cash register so I can impulse buy the whole bunch.  Second-Order Consequence…These are the more subtle, long-term effects that come as a result of the first-order consequence. They’re often less obvious but can be even more impactful. Using the same example, the second-order consequence of staying up late and binge watching a series surprise, we will probably cause us to be tired the next day.  And you got it, buying up all the almond joys might have “hidden costs” or “long-term” benefits that aren’t necessarily immediate.  Is it part of your protocol to consider second order consequence?  Good decision-making often involves weighing the benefits of first-order consequences against the potential costs or rewards of second-order consequences.  A younger version of me was super quick to just make a call and hope for the best.  Yes, yes, yes… oh wait… I didn’t think about that! Maybe a sign of maturity is the ability to clearly see the impacts of our first and second order consequences which informs our choices.  Making a call and hoping for the best doesn’t always work out.May we be a people that considers the bigger picture in our decisions today.  And oh yeah, no one should impulse buy all the almond joys!Thanks for calling in today.  Tune in tomorrow for a fresh new topic. After the beep I’d like to hear about a time you didn’t think through a decision and the second-order consequences came a knocking!https://growthinstigators.com/