Article
The Choices We Make
Copyright © 2003 Lynne Bullen
We are all given choices to make right throughout our lives. "Should I fill up my gas tank now or leave it until tomorrow?" "Should I tell so-and-so how awful she looks in that outfit?" "Will it be better for me to just show up or should I call first?" "What will I have for lunch today?" Of course, there are situations in which choices are far more serious and many will have far reaching consequences.
All choices have consequences, good or bad, right or wrong. Fortunately, most of us will make the right choices. We may regret one or two choices we made in the past. There will be times when we are very happy with the choice we made.
Most of the choices we are given in life help us to grow and learn. We learn to weigh up a situation, gather the information we need, taking time to think about what the consequences are likely to be, whichever option we choose.
More than likely, you'll find that there are several choices to a situation, but none of them can be regarded as right or wrong.
Keep in mind that it's not the situation itself, but the way you react to the situation that is key here.
If you find yourself in a dilemma that only you can rectify, or a situation that needs immediate attention, look at the choices you have, make a decision and then act upon it. Usually, common sense will prevail and the choice you make will be right for you.
Another thing about choices is that there are two types. One is the choice we make on a conscious level after gathering information, to learn all we can about the situation so that we can make an informed choice.
The other is the choice we make on an unconscious level. We're given choices every day, and all without us thinking too much about them, we make our choice! No "Should I?" or "Should I not?" Somehow, these choices seem to take care of themselves.
To give you a few examples: Stepping off the footpath onto the road at the right time, so as not to be hit by a motor vehicle. Putting on the kettle so you can make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. We don't really think too much about these actions. They just somehow happen!
We all choose to BREATHE, but we don't really think about it. I like to call my unconscious choice my "auto-pilot mode".
Making choices is part of daily life. The consequences of your choices may not be evident right away, but somewhere down the track you'll be marvelling at how the universe works, how a choice you made years ago has lead to this point in your life.
There are, of course, many times when we find ourselves is a situation not of our own making. Something we didn't plan, something so far out of left field, we would never have thought of it in our wildest dreams.
My little trip to hospital is a perfect example. No choices for me here! Others made them for me; thankfully by people who were qualified and experienced, who recognised that my situation was grave and something must be done NOW!
I am so very lucky
I'd like to share with you some of my choices made years ago, their consequences just now evident.
In 1991 I decided I'd rather work for myself rather than someone else. I was ready for the challenge.
I made the choice on a very conscious level.
Gathering information, carrying out research and weighing up the pros and cons I was set to go. I was lucky enough to have made some really good professional relationships whilst working for others. They, as well as my family and friends encouraged me.
My business grew slowly but steadily. Business people in networks I had previously developed were interested in what I was doing. Some use my services today; others recommended me to their business contacts.
In 1997, new technology and the advantages offered by the Internet and email looked to me like a great way to take my business to another level, so I jumped on board.
I made the choice to "join the revolution".
A few years later, through one of the networking groups to which I belonged, I met four other very astute businesswomen who, like me, wanted more out of life. After several planned meetings and with a true agenda, we decided to form a "consortium" or
"association".
This choice was made partly because it was necessary in our evolution and partly so that we could have a personal life as well as a professional life. All of us were burning the midnight oil on many occasions, working weekends, which meant that we really didn't have too much time to spend with our families or just have time to ourselves.
We five each made a choice.
The five of us have our own successful business enterprises. We do similar things but each of us have some services the others don't. We see ourselves not as competitors, but as complementing each other. Our Association allows us the freedom to do several very important things; we have buying power, marketing expenses are split five ways, we can take a few days off here and there, and if we become ill, there is always someone to take care of business!
Well, here we are, full circle. I am in hospital, I will be here for several more days and I am recovering well.
So, who's looking after my clients?
My four Associates, of course!!!!
You can see that some of the choices I made back as far as 1991 are now delivering their consequences. When I made those choices, and others in between, I wasn't even thinking about my current situation. What would have happened to my clients if I hadn't made those choices?
By the way, my four colleages and I call ourselves Associated Secretarial ... the perfect solution. My choice to form this wonderful association has paid off big time, especially when any of us find ourselves in situations not of our choosing.
Who would have thunk it?!!!!
So you see, The Choices We Make throughout life, whether they are conscious or unconscious, will have consequences somewhere down the track ... tomorrow, next week, next year ...
When you have the chance to make a choice on a conscious level, take the time to think carefully about what the consequences might be and then act.
NOTE: "Thunk" ... a word not yet in my dictionary, but one day it might be, probably situated somewhere between "thunder" and "thus".
Lynne Bullen is a successful businesswoman whose talents include Public Relations; Editorial and Commercial Copywriting; Design and Facilitation of Seminars, Forums and Workshops, Mentoring Services and Secretarial and Administrative support
She is a specialist in Digital Transcription
Contact Lynne via email:
or visit her website at http://www.lynnebullenstrategies.com.au |
