Justin Timberlake was sending some bad juju to Britney Spears. When the rumors swirled of her infidelity, he responded with a warning: > What goes around, goes around, goes around, > Comes all the way back around Actions have consequences. Beware of the karmic boomerang. But karma impacts you more than you realize. You understand that if you cheat, lie and steal – it’ll come back to haunt you. But that’s not the full story: ## 1\. Karma originates in the mind > “It is in the mind that karma’s seeds are planted.” Let’s look at the intentions and motivations behind your thoughts. Are they directed by [greed](), [envy]() or dishonesty? Or by kindness, [generosity]() and care? In the introduction of the [Baghavad Gita](), the Hindu scholar Eknath Easwaran compares a thought to a seed. A seed starts tiny. But then can grow into a deep-rooted tree. A tree that permanently tears up a sidewalk. Its roots can be so thick, that it becomes permanently lodged Our [negative thoughts]() are just like the seed. These “thought seeds” can quickly get the best of us. It can be difficult to undo a lifetime of negative thinking. And the consequences can deeply impact the lives of many others. ## 2\. Karma operates a credit-debit system Furthermore, our karma is stored in our minds. It’s the accumulation of everything you’ve ever done, said or thought. If you are a cheating, manipulative and selfish bastard – you’re probably carrying _a negative balance_. And if you’re a big-hearted, benevolent and truthful mensch – you may be carrying _a positive balance_. The Hindu tradition says that at [the end of our days]() we all have to settle [our book of credits and debits](). You can run from your karma, but you can’t hide. And even if you don’t subscribe to the Hindu traditions, there’s a simple lesson here for all of us: > You are the energy that you put into the world. Both good and bad. Which will you pick? ## Here’s how we can help you * [The Life Operating System](): Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place. * [Supercharge your Productivity](): Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships. * [Apply for our Group Coaching:]() Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition. * [The RadReads Newsletter](): Sign up for 5 actionable insights each Saturday for a life well-lived.