“Every free person in history was free not by chance but by choice – their choice.”
Jim Mathers
Have you ever wanted to do something but felt unsure? You may have had a lot of reasons why you couldn’t.
You may be working a job for the paycheck and want to start something yourself that gives you enough time and money to do what’s important to you.
Maybe you have a passion that you love doing but need more time for it.
Maybe you’re in a relationship and want to get married, but you’re scared. Or, on the contrary, you’re in a toxic relationship but are afraid to let go.
Perhaps you want to learn something new but never get started.
The truth is, there is one simple and crucial step you must take to remove any uncertainty or unsureness and get going. In this article, I will talk about that one step.
DECIDING
Why Deciding is Important
Deciding means you are committing to your goal. It might seem obvious, but many people get stuck because they have yet to make a firm decision. They want to do something but are still on the fence about it.
When you decide, and I mean DECIDE, you set your mind on a clear goal.
When you make a firm decision, everything else starts to fall into place.
The most important thing is to focus on the goal you want to achieve, not on the problems or challenges you might face; this doesn’t mean that challenges and problems will disappear, but deciding is the key.
Once you make up your mind, you commit to a path that will help you navigate any obstacles that come your way.
It’s like setting your GPS to a destination; you might encounter detours or traffic, but you’ll get there as long as you stay focused on where you want to go.
A great example from history that shows the power of deciding is the story of the Apollo 11 mission.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy boldly decided to send a man to the moon and bring him back safely before the decade’s end. At that time, the challenges were enormous. The technology needed has yet to exist, and there were many unknowns about space travel. However, Kennedy’s firm decision set the goal, giving NASA and the entire nation a clear mission to work toward. The United States achieved this historic milestone in 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, focusing on the goal of landing on the moon despite countless challenges and setbacks. This achievement resulted from a clear decision and unwavering focus on the goal.
I’m not saying that once you decide, the challenges will disappear.
Any goal worth reaching will have obstacles. But if your decision is vital, it will help you overcome these challenges. Think of obstacles as part of the journey. Every time you overcome one, a small victory gets you closer to your goal.
Imagine Your Future
If you’re unhappy with your life right now or simply want to improve it, ask yourself, where do you want to be in a year? In two years? In five years? What makes you happy? Decide what you want and believe you will get it.
When you decide firmly, things will start to align.
Taking Action
Of course, action is necessary to make things happen. After you decide, you need to take steps toward your goal. Don’t worry about potential problems or failures. Just focus on your decision and start taking action. Visualize your goal and make it real in your mind.
Deciding isn’t the only thing it takes; it’s the crucial first step. Once you make a clear and strong decision, it sets everything else in motion. It’s not as if your goal will magically appear just because you decided, but that decision gives you the power and direction to start moving forward.
You will still need to take action and walk the path towards your goal or dream.
Along the way, you will face obstacles and challenges you must overcome. However, if your initial decision is solid and clear, it will be the driving force that keeps you moving forward.
This firm decision becomes your source of motivation and determination, helping you stay focused and resilient even when things get tough. So, while deciding is the first step, it is also the power that propels you to take the necessary actions to achieve your goals.
But, What Is It You Want? 11 Questions You Can Ask Yourself To Decide What You Want
One of the biggest challenges in making decisions is that many people need to know what they want from life honestly. This uncertainty can make it challenging to take the first step toward achieving your goals.
Here are 11 tips and questions that can help you discover what you really want, helping you gain clarity and understand your true desires.
1) What makes you happy?
Reflect on moments when you felt truly happy. What were you doing? Who were you with? List activities, people, and situations that bring you joy.
2) What are your needs?
Consider your emotional, financial, and physical needs. Are they being met? Which needs are unfulfilled? Keeping a journal can help you explore and understand your needs better.
3) What are your personal values?
Identify your core values, such as honesty, integrity, and family. These principles guide your decisions and actions in life. Knowing your values helps align your life with what truly matters to you.
4) What gives you purpose?
Think about activities or causes you are passionate about. What makes you feel fulfilled and motivated? Finding your purpose can give your life direction and meaning.
5) What activities put you in a “flow state?”
A flow state is a state of mind that occurs when a person is totally immersed in an activity. Notice when you lose track of time because you’re deeply engaged in an activity. What were you doing? Prioritize these activities to enhance your focus and productivity.
6) What would you do if there were no limits?
Imagine a life without constraints like money or time. What would you pursue? Where would you go? This can help you identify your true desires and aspirations.
Who do you admire or get jealous of?
7) Identify people you look up to or feel jealous of.
What qualities or achievements of theirs do you admire? While I often tell people not to compare themselves to others but just to themselves, doing this can help reveal what you want for yourself.
8) How do you envision the patterns of your life?
Consider how different aspects of your life (home, work, relationships) are interconnected. How do changes in one area affect the others? A holistic view can help you set more balanced and realistic goals.
9) What don’t you want?
Think about experiences and situations that drain you or cause discomfort. Knowing what to avoid can help you make better decisions and set clear goals to avoid these pitfalls.
10) What are your greatest accomplishments in life?
Reflect on your past achievements. What made you proud? How can you create a life that allows you to experience similar feelings of accomplishment and pride?
11) How hard are you willing to work?
Consider your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals or not. How important are they to you, and how much time do you want to dedicate to them? Are you willing to persist and push through challenges to achieve them? Success requires resilience and stepping out of your comfort zone. Are you prepared to face challenges and keep moving forward?
Exercise: Make Your Decision
Here’s a simple exercise to help you make a strong decision:
- Write Down Your Goal: Take a piece of paper and write down what you want to achieve. Be clear and specific.
- Visualize It: Close your eyes and imagine you have already achieved your goal. How does it feel? What does your life look like?
- List Steps: Write down the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Even small steps are important.
- Commit: Look at your goal every day. Remind yourself why you decided to achieve it. Stay committed no matter what challenges you face.
Remember, the power of just deciding can change your life.
When you make a firm decision, you set the wheels in motion and create a clear path toward your goal. The starting point propels you forward, giving you the strength and determination to overcome obstacles.
So, make a firm decision today, embrace the journey ahead, and take the first step toward the life you truly desire. Your future is in your hands, and it all begins with the power of deciding.
Love, Jim
