The Right to Choose

When it comes to eye-glasses, clothing, or music, everyone assumes, even demands, they have right to make their own choice. We are desperate for the freedom to express ourselves and make choices. In religious circles, free will, or freedom of choice, has been hotly debated for centuries. Most individuals want to choose where they live and what career they pursue. Anxiety is frequently caused when we don’t know which choice to make. Everyday, we’re bombarded with options from which to choose. In the movie, You’ve Got Mail, Tom Hanks says, “Starbucks exists so a person can make a choice.”

I am firmly of the belief that we have the power to choose. That doesn’t mean that we can always choose our circumstances but it definitely means we can choose how we respond to the circumstances. If we can choose how we respond to each circumstance then why do we frequently choose a negative response instead of a positive one? We choose a dessert based on which dessert will bring us maximum pleasure. However, our choice was already limited by which desserts the restaurant or host decided to offer. Couldn’t we do the same when presented with other options? I think so.

Any type of program or set of instructions designed to make your life better is based on the proposition that you have the power to make a series of choices that will lead you to a better life. If, in your opinion, being thinner will lead to a better life then you, and only you, can decide which series of choices you will make to get that better life. Only you can decide which path to follow. It may be more exercise, or less eating, or surgery. Never-the-less the choice is yours.

So here’s my challenge to you, over the course of the next several days practice making choices that lead you down the path you want to go. If you want a better job then be honest with yourself about the choices you’ll need to make to get a better job. If you want to drop a bad habit or develop a good one then rehearse with yourself or a trusted friend exactly which choices will lead to the desired end. If you’re presented with a bad set of circumstances choose to believe that no setback is final.

Let me warn you that as soon as you set the goal, choose the path, and start exercising your right to make the choices, you will come against opposition. That’s ok. Overcoming opposition is part of what makes a champion a champion. You won’t get a gold medal for changing jobs, finding a better apartment or dropping 25 pounds. Your reward will be your new circumstances and a sense of accomplishment You will also give yourself some evidence that you can use the next time you want to make a change in your life.

Posted in Life Guides | No Comments »