As everyone grows up, they develop a set of values: ways they interpret and respond to the world. For a few of us those values are something we create in ourselves, for most of us they are thrust upon us by our parents, friends, family and society at large. Most of the way we live our life comes from these values, how we relate to other people, how strong or weak our work ethic is, how we eat and sleep and play. Taking an active part in creating these values is key to living a healthy and successful life.
Do we have the power to choose our values? Absolutely. It may not be easy but people who exercise their freedom to choose day after day, little by little, can expand their freedom and right to choose and decide who they are as a person…not who they were told they were. If you don’t exercise that freedom your ‘strength’ to choose your own path, not unlike a muscle, will wither away until it is virtuallly non-existent. According to Stephen R. Covey "Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." So you must ask yourself, "Am I living, or am I being lived?" Do not let history dictate how you will live your life. Do not let someone elses values or schedules or behaviours dictate whether or not you are going to strive to reach your own goals. Exercise your right to choose and live the life you were destined to live! Work today for the tomorrow you want.
Step #1 – Begin with the end in mind…what do you want? Visualize it.
Step #2 – Be proactive, rather than reactive. Set your strategy in place.
Step #3 – Just do it!
Christine is a yoga instructor, personal trainer and nutritionist who specializes in weight loss and womens health at Four Forty Fitness for Women in Burlington, Ontario. Check out the website at www.fourfortyfitness.ca