Morning Motivation: American Idol and the power of choice

The day of American Idol’s season eight finale has finally arrived, and avid fans around the country will be eagerly waiting to find out if their votes will crown Adam or Kris the new American Idol. Adam is the formidable rocker who remained true to his own inimitable style throughout the season, and Kris is the “dark horse” who surprised and delighted many around the country when he was chosen over fellow finalist Danny Gokey. Last night, voters made their final choice between the unforgettable larger-than-life originality and stratospheric high notes of Adam Lambert, or the more low-key, beautiful artistry of talented musician Kris Allen. Everything about American Idol reflects the power of choice: the singers made the choice to audition (some did not), they chose which songs to sing, they chose the arrangements of each song, they chose what to wear, the judges made choices about each performance, and the audience made choices about whom to vote for (or not to vote, or not to watch the show at all.) The show is propelled forward, week after week, by the power of choice. Similarly, your life is continuously propelled forward, moment by moment, by your power of choice. You choose which thoughts and memories to take with you from this present moment into the next moment, and you choose what to let go of. You choose which relationships and which job opportunities you want to pursue. You choose how to spend your time and money. And perhaps most importantly, you choose how to respond to the things that are outside of your influence and control. Here are five brief quotes about the power of choice:

• Right now you are one choice away from a new beginning - one that leads you toward becoming the fullest human being you can be. - Oprahrn
• If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. - Neil Peartrn
• It is always your next move. – Napoleon Hillrn
• It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny. - Jean Nidetchrn
• Man’s power of choice enables him to think like an angel or a devil, a king or a slave. Whatever he chooses, mind will create and manifest. - Frederick Bailes

May you consciously go forward today to wield your power of choice! To read other motivational and inspirational thoughts throughout the day, follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/DrDebBrown