Choices: Create Your Own Destiny

I discovered early on there was no Tooth Fairy, no Easter Bunny, no Santa Claus, and no inheritance.

As the oldest of four children, I quickly learned that I had a significant role as the result of my birth order.  I was to assist my two working parents and be a good role model for my younger siblings.  After I graduated from high school, I was ready to explore the world and chose to get busy making a life for myself.

Over the course of the next six years, I went to college in three different states and worked one, two, and even three jobs simultaneously (some things never change), served a voluntary 18-month, full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while living in Baltimore, Maryland, and lived away from my family.

Life is a combined total of the choices we make throughout our lives.  The choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.  We each have choices, and those choices take us down different paths.

Who do you want to become?  What are your goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?  I believe we can each become more than we are.  How are you doing in navigating the world we live in?

I recently read Ann Romney’s book, Whatever You Choose to Be, and want to share her eight pieces of advice to help you throughout life’s journey.

1. Make Your Relationships A Priority
2. Do Someone A Favor
3. Do Your Present Job Well
4. Remember That Parenting Is The Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Do
5. Recognize That Everyone Has Problems
6. Live For A Purpose Greater Than Yourself
7. Do Something You Love Every Day
8. Live Bible Principles

After reading Ann’s book while daydreaming and reflecting on her eight pieces of advice, I came to the conclusion that we each have the ability to make a difference in the lives of everyone that surrounds us.  Even if the world is not reaching out to us, we can reach out into the world.  We can want to become better individuals by taking the initiative to help and support others.

One of the reasons I made the deliberate choice to become an administrative professional was to look beyond myself and to help CEOs, managers, and businesses succeed.  However, in order to do that successfully, I have had to consciously make sure I don’t neglect my own life (personal and professional) while focusing on the success of others.

My wish for you is to reach your greatest potential.  For each of us, that road will take us on a different journey to different places.  Stretch yourself!  You won’t be disappointed.