Just do It

The adage “It is the thought that counts” is, for the most part, a vacant assertion. This statement is often associated with a gift-giving miscue or a failed attempt to surprise. The recognition of thought is meant to highlight effort but in reality the thought given only becomes apparent in conjunction with the mistaken act. Thoughts without action are just fleeting moments in the mind which simply disappear without action and in some cases reform in the future as regret.

Every healthy mind processes an infinite number of thoughts in the course of a lifetime. A vast majority of these thoughts are benign in terms of moral and ethical ramifications. However, there are thoughts which ask us to act, to decide, and on rare occasions to choose between right and wrong. These moments are defined, not by the thoughts themselves, but by the choices we make and the behaviors our decisions exhibit. But it is not the thought that creates negative and positive results but the actions that they inspire. For example: If you are presented with an opportunity to steal something but then you walk away without picking it up; you are not a thief simply because you momentarily considered the theft. If you know you can avoid consequences by being untruthful but then you decide to be honest; you are not a liar because you considered the dishonest option. Conversely, if you think of helping a stranger but then look away as you pass them by; you have not done anything of value. If you consider giving item or a gesture of love to someone because you know it will help them in a time of personal struggle but then never follow through; you have not been supportive simply because you thought of the gracious act.

Many articles have been written, speeches made and social programs built around of the statement “Just say no”. It is impossible to overstate the importance of creating emotional tools to help in the making of positive decisions. To be able to see a dangerous course of action in the light of projected future and then avoid it by saying, “No” is infinitely important to realizing a better life. But what about the positive thoughts that we all experience? The kindnesses, the acts of bravery, and the self denying actions that benefit others that we all think of and consider. What can be done to turn beautiful abstract thought into the reality of deed? The answer lies in taking a brief moment to enjoy and then commit to memory how wonderful it feels to not only have a beautiful thought but to take action. Motivated by those fond memories fully entrenched in our consciousness we simply have to become accustomed to saying yes to our positive selves.

I am a human in all constructs both positive and inherently flawed. My sins and my shining moments are sourced by thoughts common to all human beings. Motivated by selfishness, insecurity, lack of impulse control and physical-want I have thought about and then engaged in behaviors that I knew were wrong. I have been the bad son, the absent brother, the unfaithful boyfriend, and the man rightfully accused of unwarranted and at times violent actions. Just for clarity sake it is important to note that these deeds were not mistakes, they were choices. In these instances I allowed my mind to rationalize poor decisions and temporarily block out the inescapable future of shame. This I believe to be the dark side of being human and without question at times I have retreated into that darkness. But I have also thought about and then acted in ways that have been examples of the best of human kindness. I have written the unexpected letter of support and condolence. I have stood firm against the bully for friend and stranger. I have given away possessions of materiel and personal value to those who I thought it would help or give joy. I have stopped and helped the person in trouble and given comfort to those who have caused me pain. I have taken the blame for things that were not my fault to shield a friend or teammate. These acts were not made possible by a saintly nature. They did not come to fruition because I am a special or because I have higher thoughts than other people. Actually there is nothing extraordinary about these positive thoughts that elevates me above others in conscience. Thinking of positive actions did not create the proudest moments of my life, it was the doing that supplied me with those precious memories.

Years ago Nike trademarked the phrase “Just do it”. It was a brilliant advertising campaign that at its core recognized that many people ponder the idea of exercise but never actually do it. Through this slogan they challenged consumers to stop thinking about becoming active, stock-up on Nike gear and get in motion. This advertising ploy which has now been directly linked to billions of dollars of revenue for Nike also illuminates the human commonality of thought and action. This is the universal truth: if you can think of a positive deed or a plan for personal progress you are in the majority. If you want to be special rise out of the majority by taking action. Just do it!