12 Choices Winners Make Every Day
AT THE END of the day, whether you choose to go with it, flow with it, resist it, change it, or hide from it, life goes on. If what you did today didn’t turn out as you’d hoped, tomorrow is a new opportunity to do it differently, or to do nothing at all. What’s important is to realize that you have a choice. Here are twelve choices winners make every day:
1. They don't give up on the things they believe in.
If J. K. Rowling had stopped after being turned down by multiple publishers for years, there would be no Harry Potter. If Howard Schultz gave up after being turned down by banks more than two hundred times, there would be no Starbucks. One thing’s for sure: if you give up on your dreams too soon, you will miss out on seeing them become a reality.
2. They work with, and spend time with, the right people.
A day spent with the right people is always a day well spent. Sometimes the most ordinary ideas and projects can be made extraordinary simply by discussing them and doing them with the right people.
3. They concentrate on the present.
Today is a new day. Don’t let your history interfere with your destiny. It doesn’t matter what you did or where you were; what matters is where you are and what you’re doing now. Never give up on yourself, and never abandon your values and dreams. As long as you make mistakes, you’re still human. And as long as you keep trying, there’s still hope.
4. They maintain a positive attitude.
Only you can change your life—no one can do it for you. Happiness always comes from within, and it’s found in the present moment by making peace with the past and looking forward to the future. Each morning when you open your eyes, think only three things first: Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Then set out to make the best use of the gift of this day that you can.
5. They endure the pain.
Maybe there’s something you’re afraid to say, or someone you’re afraid to love, or somewhere you’re afraid to go. Maybe it’s going to hurt. Maybe it’s going to hurt because it matters, and because it expands your horizons. Remember, pain isn’t always a bad thing; sometimes it’s just another step toward personal growth.
6. They ignore the naysayer.
Everyone has unique gifts. People’s opinion of you means nothing in the long run, unless that person is you.
7. They live through love.
Every human thought, word, or deed is based on fear or love. Fear is the energy that contracts, closes down, draws in, hides, hoards, and harms. Love is the energy that expands, opens up, sends out, reveals, shares, and heals. The only question is: What choice will you make today?
8. They accept 100 present responsibilities for their current situation.
The next five years can be the best five years of your life, or just another five years. The decision is yours. The best part of your life will start on the day you decide your life is your own—no one to lean on, rely on, or blame.
9. They take action and plant the right seeds.
Take positive action and plant the right seeds in your life right now. Be mindful of the seeds you plant, as they will become the crop you harvest in the future.
10. They don't lose themselves in the commotion.
There are two things you shouldn’t waste your time on: things that don’t matter and people who don’t think you matter. Regardless of the situation, don’t lose yourself. Stay true to your path, and keep moving forward.
11. They appreciate what they have.
Sometimes people throw away something good for something better only to find out later that good was actually good enough and better never even came close. When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. When you truly appreciate your life, you’ll find that you have more of it to live.
12. They make a positive difference.
Being the richest man or woman in the cemetery doesn’t matter; going to bed every night knowing that you’re making a positive difference in the world is what matters.