The most (mis)quoted verse in the Bhagavad-Gita
karmanyevadhikaraste ma phalesu kadacana, ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sango'stoakarmani. (2.47)
The message is of the right attitude in action (karma-yoga) — (1.) You alone have a choice in action; and (2.) Your choice is only in action, never in result; (3.) Do not get attached to inaction.
The goal of point (2.) is to direct the receiver to learn to focus on the action itself, as results are seldom in our choice, control, or power. Think: flow-state; process-oriented vs result-oriented; being present.
personal reflection on point (2.) — I'm cautious to accept that result is never in one's choice, the result-driven creatures we've trained ourselves to be. Aren't some results (effects) reasonably or scientifically predictable outcomes of choice in action (causes)?
I do understand randomness, luck, risk; and how conceited of 'little ol me' to beleive that I can predict direct (or proximal) outcomes to my actions, if not the indirect (read: butterfly effect) outcomes.
I also am enamoured with the concept of the mind > matter (as proved by experiments in quantum mechanics); the will paving the way; frequencies attracting like freuqencies; 'The Secret', etc.
How do I reconcile these thoughts with Chapter 2 of the BG, because of course there's wisdom in what the BG is saying? But maybe the BG is a treatise to eliminate desire and all suffering. And I'm still playing in the realm of outcome, desire, and the struggle to address suffering by finding meaning from it.