Simple Choices

We are all provided with the same opportunities with regard to general choices we make; and often we practice active or passive avoidance of those choices. That is, we either recognize or understand the “right” thing to do and passively avoid it by doing nothing, or upon recognition, we actively choose to do something completely opposite and often the “wrong” thing. This is a simple quirk in our human nature, which can be modulated, modified, and overcome with the simple introduction of ‘will’, humorously referred to as “want to.”

If  we examine a situation or opportunity to make a choice and go passive, it could be because our “want to” (will) is too weak to face the rigors of doing what is right. This could be anything from maintaining the legal speed limit while driving, to sharing a hard truth with a friend, trusted colleague or coworker regarding some personal issue.

If, on the other hand we look at our choices and go active in an effort to avoid then, it could be because our “want to” is damaged or broken. We may harbor some fear or resentment associated with doing the “right” thing that may have little to do with the situation and lots to do with our past. We may have suffered embarrassment, become ostracized, or endured some sort of personal humiliation the last time we did, or tried to do the “right” thing; so we resolve not to subject ourselves to possible ridicule again.

The problem is that, no matter how recent or long ago it occurred, it is still in the past; it was a different time and situation, and very likely the circumstances were different. So we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to gain wisdom, show mercy, walk humbly and improve someone else’s lot in life…maybe even our own, by dragging the past failures into the future. To be clear, learning from ones mistakes, and learning from the mistakes of others is far different from looking for permission not to do the right thing.

It should be our purpose in life to do more than strive to be good enough, or do good enough, or even just endure. We should, each of us, take it upon ourselves to do the best we can, as often as we can, for as long as we can, and for as many as we can. While this may not be our path to enlightenment, it will most assuredly enlighten someone else’s path. 

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About the Author: In addition to teaching, I've also conducted training workshops on areas of leadership, mentoring, leveraging everyday technology. Among my published works is my first book of poetry, The World through the Eyes of a Cop, The Quick Guide to Principles of Leadership, and Mentoring and other Leadership tools. The information I share is from my personal and professional experiences, which many have found helpful in advancing their professional development. I welcome comments letting me know your thoughts, and look forward to assisting where I can. Feel free to comment on any posting, or send an email directly to me at: ledcome@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter, and share my work through your favorite social media outlets. Also I encourage you to check out my website (http://www.ledcome.com) where I openly promote low-cost, high quality professional development resources for your success! Good luck in your endeavors and "run to your destiny."