“The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose.” J Martin Kohe
“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” Aeschylus
Choice
The habit of choosing is an offspring of the habit of thinking.
Most of our choosing is done unconsciously based on- our circumstances, our desire for immediate gratification, our feelings, the control of our most dominating weaknesses, our selfish desires, our past conditioning and our current habits.
“Between stimulus and response is our greatest power- the freedom to choose.” Stephen R. Covey, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
We need to develop our ability to choose by-
determining what we value most in the long term.
recognizing that there is a cost and consequence for every choice.
focusing on what we can control, not on what we can’t control.
realizing “I am not a victim, I have a choice.”
submitting our natural reactions to our values.
embracing the power of discipline.
living hopeful in the face of overwhelming odd.
being principle centered not feeling centered.
focusing on the future not the past.
exercising courage in the face of fear.
recognizing the tremendous power and personal freedom of choice.
You have the power to choose. All you have to do is recognize your choice, think about the best choice and then exercise your choice. You will not always make the best choice. But your greatest regrets will not come from trying and failing, but from failing to try.
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.” James Allen
People who surrender their ability to choose focus on what they cannot control. People who exercise the power to choose focus on what they can control. You can set your sail to move in any direction you want regardless of what way the wind is blowing.
“It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Invictus BY William Ernest Henley
60. What circumstance are most affecting your life that you cannot control? (Health issues, Economy, Age, etc.)
61. What attitudes and actions can you choose (self-leadership) to exercise to keep you from living as a slave to chance and circumstance?
62. Who do you know that is struggling and what can you do to help encourage them?
“Morality may consist solely in the courage of making a choice.” Leon Blum
“The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” George Eliot
“We are not animals. We are not a product of what has happened to us in our past. We have the power of choice.” Stephen Covey