Choosing things comes pretty naturally to us humans. I can choose chocolate ice cream over strawberry any day, and choose blues over browns without hesitation.
But can we really just simply choose a happier life? If you mean a life that’s simpler, less stressful, and more meaningful, then yes, I believe that we can make those choices.
Life is usually what we make it. And while there are things that none of us can control -- rainy weather, sky high gas prices, cranky bosses, nosy mother-in-laws -- there are many things that you are in charge of. These are the things that help you lead a happier life.
Choose Consciously Make an effort to decide that YOU choose how to spend your time, money, energy, and spirit. As long as you accept the consequences, and make the choice with your eyes open, you’ll feel more in control. Consciously choosing your TV time, or surfing time, is a lot different than just realizing you spent 4 hours clicking channels.
Set Priorities If the annoyances of life are living your life for you, you’re never going to win the foot-race of life. You’ll simply run out of time, devoting it to things that you chose in the moment, instead of what you really wanted the most. Don’t put what you want right now above what you really want in the long run.
Nurture It: Protect It What you focus on in your life will flourish. If you focus on problems, lack, hatred, guilt, and self doubt, that’s what you’ll find growing in your garden of life. Instead plant seeds of change, conviction, courage, and choice. No, it’s not just about thinking positive thoughts -- but it’s a heck of a good place to start!
Be Consistent Anything that you do consistently, day after day, week after week, adds up. Good results or bad results are the product of repeating the same behavior over and over. If you consistently save, you’ll have money in the bank; if you consistently over-spend, you’ll be in debt. Choose what you want, and take one small step, consistently day after day, and see what happens.
Stop Reading, Start Doing We live in an amazing world of information. Most people have access to more choices and information than they’ve ever had. Even our children are faced with decisions based on their broader ability to receive information. But. information without action is useless. Put the information you already have to work in your life.
Stop Analyzing, Start Living A lot of psycho-babble teaches us that we need to know the “why” about our behavior before we can address it. And the “why” can sometimes help correct a problem, or give you motivation for action. But most of what we all do on a daily basis is not the product of some deep dark psychological reason. It’s habit. Change your habits, and you’ll change your life. Change your attitude and you’ll change your life. Change your environment and you’ll change your life.
Ask For What You Want It’s time to stop expecting other people to read your mind. Think about how frustrating it is for you when someone expects you to know what they are thinking. It’s just a set up for failure. Be willing to ask concisely, pleasantly, and honestly for what you want and need in your life.
Article by Kathy Gates