“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, 1999
British fantasy author
More often than we would like, we encounter disappointments. I define disappointments as an occurrence contrary to our desire. It is an occurrence contrary to what we would have hoped for. Are these real disappointments or our imagination? Are they emotional figments? Are we the ones transforming these events into disappointments?
We have the opportunity to prevent events from becoming disappointments in our minds eye. We are the ones that make disappointments a reality. Regardless of the situation we can choose how we view the situation and how we respond.
· If your finances take a turn for the worst: choose your response wisely.
· If you experience an illness in the family: choose your response wisely.
· If your boss decides to abruptly put an end to your tenure: choose your response wisely.
We have the power, the ability, and the right to choose your response. Taking advantage of this right displays strength of character. Surely, many of the people you admire and edify are those who consistently choose the right responses in difficult times.
Get in the Habit
We don’t just get up on day and start making the right choices. It may take a bit of practice in order to make it a habit. Here are a few of my thoughts on what we can do to make choosing the right responses a habit:
Pause
Take a moment to gain composure. Calm down. Many bad decisions are made in haste. The result of a hasty decision can mean disaster.
Question
What is really taking place? Do not assume anything. Investigate the situation and make sure you have a good understanding of what is occurring.
Conclude
Come to a conclusion on what needs to be done. How will this issue be resolved? What kind of effect will it have?
Practice
Now practice. If this is to be a habit it must be practiced. Habits are not formed by accident.
You will have more control of your emotions when you decide to make the right choices. Enjoy a happier and less stressful life.
Do you have any ideas on how to make making the choices a habit? Please contribute.
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