468: Beyond the Immediate

In this Episode:
This episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast, hosted by Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt, focuses on mastering second and third-order consequences, which extends the typical negative view of "consequences" to include the positive long-term results of our actions.

The hosts argue that people often only consider the immediate, first-order consequences (e.g., exercise is painful; saving money means a lack of immediate pleasure) and fail to think about the significantly greater second and third-order consequences (e.g., better health, increased energy, improved mood, long-term wealth).

The podcast provides practical strategies by applying this concept across three crucial areas of life:
1. Applying to Finances 
The main strategy is pausing before you buy (like the hosts jokingly discuss with sneaker purchases).
•    Action: Take a moment to think before making impulse purchases, especially when a salesperson pressures you with a "today only" deal.
•    Long-Term Consequences: Weigh the opportunity cost of the money. Not buying a small item now allows that money to be used later for more productive things, such as investing (leading to growth faster than inflation) or funding more meaningful experiences (like a dinner with a spouse). This is about choosing long-term gain over short-term pain.

2. Applying to Diet and Health 
The hosts emphasize looking beyond the immediate pleasure of unhealthy food.
•    Action: Consider the aftermath of what you eat. While eating a treat may be great for a few seconds, the later consequences (feeling sluggish, having low energy, physical discomfort) are negative.
•    Long-Term Consequences: Prioritize your health by viewing food as nutrition and energy, not just comfort or a reward. Work with a nutritionist to craft a healthy diet that limits the feeling of "missing out" (the first-order consequence pain). Recognizing that sugar is addictive and affects both energy and mood is key to making conscious, healthy choices.

3. Applying to Relationships 
This section focuses on the long-term cost of "winning" a conversation or argument.
•    Action: Pause before you talk and resist the urge to prove yourself right or tear down the other person. Think about the ripple effect your words will have, as they can cause permanent damage to trust.
•    Long-Term Consequences: Winning an argument only feels good for a moment (first-order consequence), but it destroys the relationship's foundation. Instead, focus on building trust and having open conversations, perhaps by simply asking, "Are you okay?" This helps you preserve and grow long-term relationships, which are a primary determinant of overall happiness.
The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to "team up, don't give up" and find supportive people to help them tackle struggles in any of these areas.

Podcasts Referenced:
ARN Podcast Ep. 440: Interview with Emily Gozy: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/single-post/registered-dietitian-nutritionist-emily-gozy  

ARN Suggested Reading:
Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt
https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1
Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

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