“You’ll keep getting what you’re getting as long as you keep doing what you’re doing!”
“The insanity principle is doing the same thing but expecting different results!”
“If nothing changes, nothing changes!”
These statements all pertain to personal power reinventing oneself and change. More importantly, they all pertain to choice. You have to choose to change YOU.
Throughout my life, from childhood through college, corporate career to business owner, wedding day to divorce court, I’ve encountered people who were in situations they loathed but, for whatever reason, chose not to change how they responded to or viewed the situation. In most instances, the situation or circumstances never changed and neither did the people because most of them kept expecting the circumstances to change. We have to be the change.
Would you agree that most people want to live happily and fulfilled? Then what’s the fly in the ointment? I suggest it’s our mindset. How often do you smile? Is something always on your mind? Lighten up! We get old because we stop having fun. We need to live more, love more and laugh more. The negative circumstances that hold your thoughts and dreams hostage are just that – circumstances.
I know how to be unhappy, to complain, to stress and to cry. From relationships to professional endeavors, I’ve let negative circumstances keep me up at night. I’ve wasted time, energy and minutes on my cell phone. I chose not to do that anymore and you can to!
I just had a phenomenal Easter. This celebration is incredible anyway, just for what it represents, but this Easter had an unusual twist. In addition to the Smith family’s typical protocol of going to church, spending time with the family eating, talking and TV — for the first time, we pulled out the Wii game. My mother and mother-in-law simultaneously, in a tone I’m sure my neighbors heard, pronounced they weren’t going to play! Their excuses ranged from “too old,” “bad back,” and “I don’t play games” to “I don’t know how to play.”
Three hours later, with everyone else reduced to cheering spectators, these two self-proclaimed “Hot Mamas” were bowling like professionals on the circuit just because they made a different choice.
It’s not too late! Make a list of the things you’re going to make a different, conscious choice. Choose:
- Wow… over worry
- YES… over “I don’t think so”
- Having an incredible evening… over having to be heard
- Being happy… over being right
- Now… over eventually
- I will… over “I can” or “I can’t”
- Family… over work
- Touch… over TV
- Smiles… over stress
- “It’s up to me”… over “it’s your fault”
- Rest… over rushing
- Prayer… over pushing
It’s not rocket science. Make the choice: whatever gets the most energy… gets the greater result. It’s up to you!
Attitude and perspective do indeed make a big difference in how we play this game of life. Good examples Jim. I especially like the ending list of things to do that are better for enhanced quality in your life.