Choose to Take the Journey

#1 Believe you will win.
What are the chances all the decisions you’ve made up until now have all been good decisions? And yet, most people when reflecting on their lives, are pretty satisfied with the results. Part of the reason is that very few decisions in life are irreversible. Even if something takes us off course, we can usually find our way back again.

A good decision is the echo of good judgment. Good judgment is the echo of experience. And experience is the echo of bad decisions. So no matter what you do, making a decision and mindfully acting on it will eventually translate into a positive outcome. Each path has its own reward. Even as one door closes, another will open. Either way, you win.

#2 Don’t beat yourself up if you change your mind.
Ironically, knowing you have the option to change direction can help you be more decisive by relieving some of the pressure weighing down upon each decision. Unfortunately, your peers may punish you for having second thoughts. You might be branded as wishy-washy, unreliable, spineless, fainthearted, weak, and so on. But your first thought may be nothing more than a primitive monkey impulse. Sometimes your second or third thought is actually more in line with your values and your spirit. If new information crops up rendering your previous decision ineffectual, don’t stick to your imaginary guns just for the sake of being consistent.

#3 Stop deferring to other people.
You are your own person with your own set of morals, values, and unique perspective on life. Sure, if you’re confused or unclear about the situation, soliciting advice from friends or even just bouncing ideas off of them may prove useful. But if you’re already clear on what you want, just do it. You neither need permission nor agreement from other people. In the end, this is your life and you are solely responsible for it. Own your decisions and you will own your life.

#4 Cultivate your killer instinct.
I don’t mean go out and intentionally hurt people. But when you realize you want something, realize it is yours for the taking. That job position that you need to compete for–go for it. That girl you fancy that all the other guys are chatting up–go for her. Those precious few hours you have to study, work, play, relax–those are yours. Go for what you want, and you will love yourself for it. Because you know what? At the end of the day, no one really cares as much about your life as you do (with the possible exception of your mom).

#5 Be afraid, and then do it anyway.
Whenever doing something outside of your comfort zone, you will feel afraid. This is a normal, natural reaction. In fact, not feeling any fear is a sign that your life is stagnant. You are neither challenging yourself nor learning anything new. Fear is the catalyst for personal growth. Welcome it into your life, acknowledge it, and then do it anyway. You’ve been through some rough times, and you came out of it a stronger person, a more capable person who is better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. People are a lot stronger than they think they are. And the greater the fear you face, the more strength you will uncover slumbering within you.