October 2, 2013

Choices Choices

You have control over your life and your success on the basis of the choices you make.

If you ask most people whether they would like to be considered a winner or a loser in life, they would most assuredly reply that they would like to be a winner. But this begs the question, “What does it mean to win at life?” In some things it’s easy to define a clear winner. In a football game, whoever has the most points at the end of the game is the winner. In business, who ever makes the most sells is considered the winner. But it isn’t quite as easy to decide what it means to win in the game of life, is it? And that is because people define winning in different ways. For many, winning is through the accumulation of money or material possessions. “He’s a success, a real winner,” they say. Others think winning means living the longest. Still others say that it is to have their body in tip-top shape. Some say it is to have a happy family. Some say it is to regularly enjoy their hobbies.  All of these are fine, in and of themselves. But… I would like to encourage us to think about winning or success in a different way. Generally, people think of winning as the over-achievement in a particular, chosen area. I like to believe, however, that to truly win at life is not to overachieve in one area but to succeed in maintaining balanced achievement in numerous areas.  Let me repeat that: To truly win, to be a success, is not to overachieve in one area, but to maintain balanced achievement in all areas of our lives. For instance, is a person of success if they earn millions of dollars but lose their family? Is a person a success if they get national fame but have no friends? Of course not. In fact, they may live the most pitiful of all lives. You have prioritized your life. Now, the hard part: Doing it. This is where we are all alone. We all make this step on our own, but having a written plan is as good a preparation as you can get. Rather than saying that you are going to do this for the rest of your life, take the next week to implement your new balance of winning. If a week sounds too long, just focus on today. Spend some time, be it ever so small, enhancing your life in these areas. Exercise a little. Read for a while to challenge your mind. Deal with your emotions. Spend time in silent contemplation to renew your spirit. Give some time to your spouse and children. Will Rogers said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you won’t get anywhere if you’re standing still.” There has got to be action. As we do this over time, and balance our lives out, we will begin to finally feel like we are winning at life. That will be exciting, as will the process!. Are you making the right choices today?