To say we face numerous choices is a gross understatement. Life is like one of those god awful trick boxes you see around the holidays - the outer shell is a big box containing another and another and so on and so forth until you reach the prize in the middle. Life is like that. The choices we face daily are the center, but tend to have a ripple effect. Normally people tend to think that we have huge decisions and we have small decisions - no. Every decision we make is huge in itself and they all effect you and in that it will help shape the person you become; to shape the life you currently have.
People tend to play it safe when dealing with decision making. Don't want to rock the boat, upset people, cause trouble etc. This is a necessary part of making decisions that are best for you; the ones that will help you be the best person you can be and to ensure that you achieve the things you want in life.
Granted there is a fine line between looking out for yourself and being selfish, but if you remain true to yourself, honest, but respectful to everyone else and fair in the choices you make, you have no fear of being seen as selfish.
I walk this line everyday. You may not like what I have to say, but I will always be honest with you, I will always respect you and I will always be fair. No one is better or worse then you. Always remember that. Sometimes in business we have to play the tough guy role and handle unpleasant situations causing us to make choices we would not otherwise make. This is part of a job, that has rules of it's own. It is simply a role we play, not something that defines us. In saying that how we choose to handle said situations can and will define your character. Remember: honest, respectful and fair.
In our personal lives the same rules apply. We need not to worry about what others think of our choices. If we play by the three golden rules, people will treat you in kind. If they do not, you're are truly better off without them in your life. Do not invest more in someone then they will ever return. I'm not saying this as a general - 'don't help anyone, unless they help you' - I'm saying when making 'life choices' do not make someone a priority if you are not one for them as well.
Remember one thing; you have one life. There are no dress rehearsals, no do-overs just this one time around. You need to be at the end of your ride, looking back with a smile. No regrets over should haves, could haves or would haves.
Make everyday a memorable one, give it all you have. Be prepared for curve balls and when faced with a choice - follow your gut. Learn to trust yourself and your instincts. The only things in life you will regret are those you chose not to do in fear of something or someone else.
"I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than to be loved for who I am not. "
-T-
