The One Decision You Need To Own Your Life
When was the last time you asked “who do I want to become?” I mean, really sitting down and having the time to reflect on your current situation and ponder where have you have spent your time this week, last month, last year?
How much of that time was spent in yourself? Can you say you’ve made progress towards the person you want to be? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path. If you felt you wasted another week and have had little success, the harsh reality—it’s your fault.
The reason could well be an outside factor, a boss, a partner, the weather maybe. But it’s just so easy to make excuses.
“I wasn’t able to complete my homework because X”
“I’m too lazy to go to the gym today, I’ll go tomorrow”
“I can’t be creative unless I’m inspired”
Just excuses, yo.
One of my favourite writers, Paul Jarvis absolutely nailed it a recent newsletter...
“Excuses are a story we tell ourselves to not move forward. To not create. To not hit publish. To wait until things are perfect to start.”
Alright. Let’s say you begin to reflect. You need to know:
- What your goals are
- Who do you want to be as a result
- Why do you want to achieve those goals?
Investing in Yourself is the Best Kind of Investment
Investing in myself this year has been the fastest way to become a better person, creatively and personally. I care more about becoming the best version of myself than the 1,000,000+ hours or so I would need to get there.
Not only am I starting to become fulfilled from working on my passions daily, I’ve achieved so much clarity because I’ve accepted the journey will be rough. I’ve internalised what it takes to become successful. I’ve found motivation by taking action and setting aside time to work on my craft.
None of this involves someone telling me what to do, the decision has to start from within yourself
If you’re not getting the results you want and you’re unhappy about your situation—something has to change. No one will make the change for you. Understand you have control and you can win if you apply yourself in the right areas.
Set a small amount of time to think (I’d stress that writing down will also help) to figure out where improvements can be made, what habits can be altered and what little time-wasters can be removed.
Own Your Life
Investing in yourself is only the start and this decision will be one of the greatest choices you’ll ever make.
I used to believe it was selfish to only think about yourself. You want to help others right? But how can you help others with the limited resources you have, knowledge and with what money? What’s selfish is selling people misleading and dishonest products or services just to get their money or to make a quick a sale.
That’s why right now, I’m all about investing in myself because I value my time more than my money.
Do what’s important for you but take responsibility for your attitude to your situation. It’s also your responsibility to take the time to develop your skills so you can best serve others.
Make the decision.
Invest in yourself.
Three actions you can take right now
- Practice communicating. Tell someone what your short and long-term goals are, talk about what you want to achieve.
- Learn something new today that will help you achieve one goal next week.
- This is an action I need myself and it’s to eat healthy. Eat right and fuel your body with the right type of food.