You are the key to your life

What’s important to remember is that life is truly about the choices we make.

by Brian J. Zahn — 

When we are young, we are joyful and creative, full of amazing dreams about becoming anything we want — perhaps a fireman, policeman, doctor, nurse, veterinarian, ballerina or even an astronaut. Nothing fazes us in utilizing our imagination, putting on costumes and acting everything out as if it were really taking place.

We are free, fearless and adventurous, putting our best foot forward without worrying what others think or whether we might be doing something wrong. After all, as children we aren’t aware of adult responsibilities and the challenges our parents are dealing with each and every day. We haven’t a worry in the world, other than participating in our carefree lives, while living the present moment to the fullest — which brings us tremendous happiness.

Later, when we get older and go off to college, we set our minds on majoring in something that we want to do; but, how many of us fulfill our dreams and get our degrees? How many of us change our majors or take different career paths, once we find out how much hard work it takes to make this dream become a reality? And how many of us decide to give up because of life’s pressures and stresses?

What’s important to remember is that life is truly about the choices we make. Each choice puts us on a certain path on which we can learn and grow. By being awake and participating in our lives, we can make the right choices to keep us moving forward to accomplish our goals and not give up on them. If you want a successful relationship, you must learn from your past so you don’t make the same mistakes, and you must communicate and care more than before.

If you want to be healthy and fit, you must set your intentions on making the right choices about what you eat and how to exercise, not just for a short period of time, but for your entire life. If you want to move up the corporate ladder, you need to do the work that will get you there and consistently show your true value. If you want to become an actor or musician, you must keep honing and perfecting your trade, while never giving up or taking no for an answer.

If you want to be a happier person, you have to let go of the things that aren’t working for you, recognizing those that bring you joy and making them a priority.

Each of us possesses true greatness. If you have faith and believe in yourself, then the only person who can truly stop you from accomplishing any goal you set forth is you. If you decide to make the choice of allowing fear, self-doubt or negativity to get in your way, then you alone are making this clear decision.

If you listen to others and allow them to make choices for you because you feel pressured, remember that you are still making the final decision. It is true that along the way you might get a little lost or even feel stuck, but all you have to do is take a deep breath, remain calm, release your ego and pride and ask for guidance when you do not have all the answers.

Only by participating fully in your life and utilizing your greatest assets will you be the key to every possibility that comes your way. You will move another step closer to accomplishing your goals, wishes and dreams.

Brian J. Zahn is a professional and certified life coach, author and motivational speaker. www.bethekey.net or 480-254-5000.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 2, Apr/May 2009.