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The Consequence Horizon Model

The Consequence Horizon is a simple idea. People change when a consequence finally feels real. Until that point most of us drift. We delay things, we ignore things, we tell ourselves it will be fine. Then the horizon moves in and the behaviour changes quickly.
 

I have seen this for years in enforcement and in day to day life. People know the risk they are carrying. They just push it away because it feels distant. Money, health, work, relationships, leadership, all of it. The same pattern shows up everywhere. While the consequence feels far off, people avoid dealing with it. When it becomes close, they deal with it fast.
 

This model sets out that pattern in a clear way. It explains what happens before the horizon, what happens when it hits, and what happens after. It also shows the five signs that tell you how close someone is to their own horizon.
 

This site is the first place the model is published. I will add to it over time as I write more and as the idea develops. The aim is not to overcomplicate it. It is simply a way of understanding why people delay action until it matters and how risk builds quietly in that space.
 

If you want to use the model or reference it, the licensing page explains how that works.
 

M.Sheldon 2025 


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Consequence Horizon Model - M Sheldon

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