Well many people - and mainstream society in general - often have a sort of distorted and innaccurate definition of the word karma, often thinking it has some sort of mystical connotation. The word literally means
action, referring to things you do, and each time you do something, something else happens as a result. In other words, you're the keeper of your own fate. The word karma is often erroneously spoke of as some unexplainable, supernatural, other-wordly force, often by New Age, pseudo-spiritual hipsters. It's neutral and applies to every decision you make. Your own actions determine how much negative or positive karma you accumulate. If you steal a pack of gum, things will happen that wouldn't have happened if you hadn't stole the gum: you may get caught, you may experience paranoia over the potential of getting caught, you may experience guilt over doing something unethical. It does not however, mean some supernatural, cosmic force is going to mysteriously cause an anvil to drop on your head the moment you walk out of the store.
In other words, there's a lot of silly New Age misconceptions where you see people talking about whether they "
believe" in karma or not - again, as if they possess
"faith" in some hidden, mystical force that's pulling strings behind the scenes - when there's nothing to
"believe" in in the first place. Obviously it's impossible for somebody to fully anticipate what their own karmic retribution will be, but observing and being more mindful of yourself and the nature of reality in general will better cultivate the ability to sift through karmically wise or unwise decisions.
I would say this is one of the most ridiculous things people can believe in - BUT, I totally understand where the question comes from - we're ALL looking for answers. I went back and forth with the karma thing for a long time (an old die hard hippie) and I finally had to come to the conclusion that karma is just a nice term, wishful thinking as it were. I know people who've gained greatly at others expense (including mine) and only good things happen to them. And others, who I'd term as nearly saintly, who always seem to get the short end of the stick.
It's not a matter of them "getting what they deserve" in the end. revenge is a dish best unserved, it only makes you feel worse. What I mean is, there is no "in the end". life is what it is. What you and I make it. and some people don't make it very pleasant. But that's not you. You are you.
If I punch you in the face, do you think you'll get pissed? That's what karma is. It doesn't mean I'm gonna be born again as a maggot in 1,239 future lives for breaking some almighty supernatural law of the universe. Accepting karma has nothing to do with faith, beliefs or "wishful thinking" as you put it.
My own understanding of karma relates directly to your own awareness of your actions, how they effect others and the choice you make to take this into consideration or not.
If your aware of your actions and the effect they will have.. whether positive or negative yet ignore it, then your lying to yourself, and convincing yourself that what your doing is justified despite your own understanding of what your doing.
This, tbh. Pretty simple...