What we do in life is our choice. Every day we take decisions, big and small, significant and insignificant; we choose. We choose how we are and what we do. Of course, we all come from different backgrounds and have different circumstances. But our actions and the way we behave are our choice. The values we subscribe to and live by are our choice. We create our own destiny.

As Denis Waitley said: “There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”

In life there are people who buy and sell and those who are bought and sold. I don’t mean this in the literal sense, but rather that some people decide to make informed choices and forge their own road; others follow the well trodden path. This might be their choice, they might enjoy working for somebody, following a script and not challenging or changing things, sticking to what they know. But it is my guess that they aren’t happy and feel trapped and would in fact rather be in control, carving out their own existence.

One could say it is easier to follow the mapped out route, rather than straying off piste. And who, in this day and age, does hard when you can do easy? Off piste is the unknown; with it come uncertainty, risk and fear. But let’s turn this on its head. Risk also brings opportunity. Opportunity to do a bad job, then fix it, and do a good job. Opportunity brings excitement and growth. “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” (George Eliot).

You are the fellow that has to decide
Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside.
You are the fellow who makes up your mind
Whether you’ll lead or will linger behind
Whether you’ll try for the goal that’s afar
Or just be contented to stay where you are.
Take it or leave it. Here’s something to do!
Just think it over — It’s all up to you! (Edgar Guest)

What I’m trying to say here is that our lives take the road we build for them and we can alter the course of that route should we so wish. So next time you or I are having an off day, feeling like our luck has run out, that we’ve been dealt a pretty rubbish hand, stop, think and choose. Make a conscious effort to think about the end result of those choices, not the ease with which they may be executed, to reach the best possible outcome.

“What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life.” (Leo Buscaglia).

Get out there, go mad, make things happen. Stop worrying about the risk. “If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on.” (Lance Armstrong).  Be different. Be innovative. Create. Make choices. Love life. LIVE.

Don’t ever give up…