The road to hell is paved with good intentions

Do you remember the old saying, The road to hell is paved with good intentions? How can that be? How can a good intention lead to hell?

 

Here are my thoughts. A good intention catches our attention which then drives our action. So, wouldn’t a good intention that gets our attention lead us to take good action? Not necessarily. It all depends on the motives of our actions.

 

Think about your good intentions that may have led to positive actions. Then consider your reasons for taking those actions. For example, were you looking to be a GOAT—Greatest Of All Time? In other words, did you act with good intentions to gain attention? Or did you give from your whole heart without thinking of getting recognition? The point of intention and attention is that it’s more about giving with our intention than receiving attention.

 

What does that look like? If our actions and words contradict our good intention, then that good intention will likely be a new stone paving that path to hell. That’s because that good intention was more about ego than love. It was a gift to yourself, not the other.

 

So maybe good intentions do pave the way to hell. But the right intentions don’t. So before giving your attention to your intention, check to make sure it’s more than a good intention. Make sure it is a right intention that you respond to with right action.

 

Here are some ways you can do that:

• Focus on serving others without expecting anything in return
• Prioritize values like compassion, kindness, and empathy over personal gain
• Make decisions based on what is best for the greater good, not just for yourself
• Be honest with yourself about your true motivations and strive to act from a place of authenticity
• Be willing to admit when you are wrong and make amends for your mistakes
• Practice self-reflection and introspection to ensure your intentions align with your values and beliefs.
  

 

Remember, it's not just about having good intentions, but about putting those intentions into action with the right motives. So go out there and lead with love, empathy, and kindness. The world needs more of that, and your actions can make a positive difference in the lives of those around you.