Do you ever wonder why you’re where you are? How did you end up in your current position?
It’s easy to dismiss it as life passing us by and circumstances bringing us to where we are.
It’s easy but not true. The truth is you made choices that brought you to where you are.
That means the buck stops with you.
Image by Choko
This is a principle Andy Andrews talks about in his book The Traveler’s Gift.
The main protagonist asks:
Why Me?
He’s then given the answer. Every choice he’s made has led him to his current situation. His choice of:
- schools to attend
- companies to send resumes
- company he worked for
- where and what to eat
- staying with the company when he could have retired early
Each choice led him closer and closer to this point in his life.
Much like the 20 mile march, each choice brought him closer and closer to his final destination. Each choice he had an active part in choosing.
The same is true with you. Every decision you make, whether or not you consider it a choice, brings you to your current reality.
When we begin to realize this, we discover that the buck stops with you and I. We’re the reason we’re where we are.
I am where I am today – mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially – because of the decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today – mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially – because of the of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am by changing the way I think.
-Andy Andrews in The Traveler’s Gift
Now, if we want to get out of where we’re at and move to a better life we need to change. We need to begin changing the way we think.
We need to see that the choices we’re making are part of our thought process. And focus our choices in the direction we think we want to go.
Want to get out of debt? Begin thinking about the choices you make in regards to what and where you will eat, paying for cable, or the fancy car you drive.
Want to get lose weight? Change your thinking about healthy living. Make choices to run, bike, or eat healthy foods.
Want to quit drinking? Decide to hang out with people who encourage you to stay sober or choose not to go to the bar.
Every choice has a thought behind it. That thought can change your life.
Are you tired of where you’re at? Think differently and you’ll move in a new direction.
Remember: The buck stops with you!
Every choice you make has an end result.
— Zig Ziglar
Question: If you changed your thinking, how could it change your life? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.