Empower yourself by your choices

Every single day we are bombarded by choices we need to make. Ultimately, our lives are defined by these choices. What should you eat? Should you go to the gym? Should you ask for that promotion? This process can be empowering, or on the flip side it can be stress inducing. You may feel empowered because you took control of your choices and their potential outcomes. On the flip side you may feel anxiety because you don't want to take responsibility for the potential results of your decisions. As a result of your anxiety you allow others to make these decisions for you.

These others consist of friends, colleagues, a spouse or significant other. The problem arises because you are the one that these decisions will affect, it is your life not theirs. So, why then would you willingly give that power and control to others? It is ok to seek advice and guidance, just as long as you have the final say and you take responsibility for that. At some point you need to let go of the fear of wrong decisions. You need to be willing to accept the consequences, no matter what the result. Just the act of taking ownership for your life and the course it takes is extremely gratifying and empowering. You will stand taller and more confident when you begin to take the reigns. Small and large, every day you choose the direction your life will lead, choose wisely!

ACTION STEPS FOR THE WEEK:

1. Take responsibility for your life
This week take a look at your life and the direction it is leading. Are you controlling the direction or are others? It is so easy to get wrapped up in the process of relying on others. Just for once, take a breath and really examine how engaged you are in your own life. This week take the first step in relying on yourself and your own judgement before asking for help.

2. What fears arise
What do you most fear when relying on your own judgement? What if I make a mistake? What if I fail? What if that is the wrong decision? What if I am supposed to do this instead of that? Well...what if? Peel the layers back and continue to push yourself until the real answer arises. The what ifs are typically just an excuse for not trying.

3. One day at a time
Don't try to change your life in one week. Just take one step at a time. Just being more aware will shift your thinking and actions. Commit to making smaller decision first, get comfortable with that and then move on to the larger decisions. You will gain confidence and trust in yourself as you go.

Good Luck!

Have a great week!
Leslie