Starting with the End in Mind
by Jeremy Meltzer
Everything not designed by nature, began as an idea in someone’s head. If we are this powerful, if our minds can build cities and technologies that change the course of human history, then surely we have also the power to effect enormous change in our own lives. Most of us though, feel overwhelmed by what we perceive as 'our reality', and feel resigned to it. To accept that our present 'reality' is mostly a creation of our own choosing can be painful, but should also be liberating. Asking the hardest questions of ourselves has never been easy, but to begin a personal exploration of 'why' and then ask 'where to from here', can be the beginning of an empowering, exciting adventure.
If we can accept that our present reality is a result of our decisions, not of conditions imposed upon us, then we can begin to become truly responsible. Responsible also means response-able. By this I mean we have the ability to choose our responses to that which life throws at us. We can't control most of what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it.
Successful, proactive people choose their responses - carefully and wisely - to almost everything that happens to them. In the briefest second, they weigh up possible responses and outcomes, then respond with the preferred outcome in mind. Thus, they are constantly moulding their world to suit their goals. They do not blame circumstances, events, or the weather. They understand their response-ability and live empowered by this fact. And so, to fully realize a pro-active life, one must also live response-ably. Being proactive is not as simple as making things happen. How we respond to what we make happens, truly determines its success. By living response-ably, we understand that our responses to what we ‘make happen,’ powerfully shape the final outcome.
So, it becomes equally important to begin with the end in mind. Picture in your mind what you want to create or achieve. See it so strongly you can almost smell it. Then, with wisdom and sensitivity, choose the responses necessary to turn this picture into your reality.
Sometimes our greatest failures are our greatest lessons in the constructive and destructive power of even our most subtle responses. Try to not react to every emotional impulse. There is a time and place for this. Choose wisely and manifest your dreams.