We all make choices in our lives every day, both knowingly and unknowingly. From simple decisions like what to eat for dinner and what to wear to work, to the heavier ones about who to be friends with and whether to change jobs, there’s a truth that we must all embrace: everyone has the power of choice. It’s a critical part of our self-development, and each and every one of the choices that you make shapes your experiences and brings you to where you are in your life.
One of the great things about having the power to choose is that if you don’t like the place you are in your life right now, you can change it! You’re in the driver’s seat, and you can actively and intentionally pursue different options for yourself. It’s part of your decision-making on how to be happy in life.
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.
Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and Psychiatrist
Even when life deals us a horrible hand, Every human being has the freedom to change at any instant. Essentially, we always retain the power of choice.
This critical life lesson is an important reminder that you have control of what you do next. Even in the deepest, darkest moments of your life, you can still choose how you look at those situations and how you respond.
Let’s see some of the important things you control
1. You Have Control Over Your Behavior
You can’t control everything in life but you certainly do control your behavior. You can control how you react to setbacks and how you choose to spend your time.
Take a look at your daily habits and how they impact your life. Bad habits such as spending too much time watching TV, drinking too much alcohol, or spending too much money can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Create healthy habits and accept responsibility for your behavior and you’ll see positive changes in your life.
2. You Have the Power to Choose to Work Hard
You can choose how much work you want to do and what type of you work you want. If you choose to work hard, you’ll see positive results. Even if you start in a low paying job, hard work can get you promoted or open doors to new opportunities.
You also have the power to change the type of work you do. You can open your own business, change careers whenever you want, or further your education.
3. You Control Who You Keep for Company
Even though you can’t choose your biological relatives, you have the power to choose who to spend your time with. Spend time with people who are inspirational, motivational, and positive. It can do a lot for your energy level and outlook on life. Be willing to join volunteer organizations and meet with influential people to find people who are making positive change.
4. You Have the Power to Choose Your Future
If you had a terrible childhood or you’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past, you don’t have to allow that to define the rest of your life. You have the power to choose your future.
Create the type of future you feel like you were really meant to live. Make changes and work hard to become the person you feel like you are meant to be. With hard work and determination, you can create any type of life you want for yourself.
5. You Have the Power to Choose Your Attitude
You have the power to choose the type of attitude you want to have in life. The way you react to problems, setbacks and angry people says a lot about you. Choosing to have a positive, compassionate, and determined attitude can mean the difference between feeling sorry for yourself and creating the life you always dreamed of living.
No matter what arises in your day or in your heart, remember there’s always something you can choose. May we all remember the power we have.
Kenrick Vaz 