“You are either getting better or worse.” -Jeff Olson, The Slight Edge

Our current life circumstances are the result of the millions of decisions we have made up to this point. At any given moment, we have the power to choose actions that lead to personal improvement or those that hinder our progress. Each day presents us with numerous choices, and it is important to recognize that we are never in a state of stagnation. We are either getting better or worse. 

The only constant in the universe is change. 

By understanding the profound impact of our decisions, we can harness the power to shape our future. Often, we may overlook the ripple effect that our choices create throughout our lives. Every decision we make, no matter how seemingly insignificant, sets off a chain reaction that influences our trajectory.

We must take responsibility for our actions and make intentional choices that align with our goals and aspirations. Recognizing that our decisions have far-reaching consequences encourages us to become more mindful, purposeful, and deliberate in our everyday lives. We can decide to change our thinking patterns. We can decide to react in a different way. We can decide to be the highest version of ourselves. We are the architects of our future.

We Are Always Deciding

Every action we take is a decision. We likely make over a thousand decisions every day. We chose to look at our phone as soon as we woke up this morning - even though it has become automatic, we still made that choice. Every time we eat, we decide how to fuel our brain and body. 

This is an extremely empowering realization. Within every seemingly insignificant decision we have the ability to control the direction our lives go. We have free will. 

The problem is that we’ve picked up loads of negative programming from our past that is now distorting our current decisions. We may be subconsciously controlled by unshakeable addictions or caught in cycles that are difficult to escape.

It is key to recognize the power of the present moment. This is where the future is created and where our attention should be. What we do NOW determines our future outcomes.

We can break free from negative programs, but it takes time. With every small decision we mold our future self. Every positive choice is a vote towards the life we want. True transformation does not require drastic changes, but little adjustments over time. 

Align With a “North Star”

A shortcut to making the best decisions is aligning ourselves with a goal, or a “north star” that leads us in the right direction. 

What excites you? What gives you goosebumps just thinking about? Better yet, what would you regret NOT doing? 

Many of us are stuck in situations we aren’t satisfied with. We may have a vision of what we could be - we know we have potential but we are barely scratching it. 

It is tough to look outside of our everyday reality and create a higher vision, especially when we are bogged down with the necessities of daily life. It might be overwhelming to radically change our routine and align with our dream life. 

The subconscious mind works in mysterious ways. It is constantly operating behind the scenes, projecting back to us our deepest intentions and beliefs. Throughout the years, our wiring system has been built to give us the life we currently have. With repetition and intent, we can install a new north star.

Writing down our intentions every morning is a powerful way to rewire ourselves toward our goals. When we write, we make our ideas concrete. Our goals and intentions seep into our psyche and direct us subconsciously. Throughout the day, we will find ourselves making decisions that are more aligned with our goals. 

Remember that in every decision, we have two paths to take - the higher or lower path. We can choose to get closer to our goals or further away. When we clearly and consistently define our intentions, we may become aware of many automatic decisions that are not aligned with your highest reality. 

Habits Dictate The Future

Habits are ingrained, unconscious decisions that we make daily. Due to their familiarity, they require minimal effort to execute. However, habits can either serve as the foundation for success or keep us trapped in negative cycles. Forming new habits takes time, but with consistency, they become automatic, allowing us to execute them effortlessly. First we create our habits, then they create us.

Breaking a habit demands extra energy and can be challenging, which is why many struggle to overcome addictions. When we abruptly quit a habit, a void is created within us, leaving us feeling empty. It is crucial to fill this void with a new habit that is more empowering and aligns with our desired goals. For example, individuals who quit smoking often turn to exercise as a healthier outlet.

Discipline plays a pivotal role in this process. It is the key to freedom and the highest form of self-love, especially in a society where we often neglect our physical and mental well-being. By embracing discipline over time, we break free from the cycle of pursuing short-term pleasures and instead move towards long-term fulfillment.

Remember that forming empowering habits and exercising discipline requires patience, perseverance, and self-compassion. Celebrate small victories along the way, as each positive choice contributes to your growth and transformation. With time and commitment, you will witness the profound impact of cultivating empowering habits and disciplined actions, propelling you towards a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

The Power of Momentum

The effort required in instilling a new lifestyle will eventually start to snowball. Positive choices begin to add up. You will get so excited at the first sign of improvement that it may even become an addiction in itself. Getting better is the best drug. 

Momentum is a physics law that underlies everything in the universe. Newton’s second law states that constant force and time put on an object determines the amount of momentum (Britannica). Increased time and effort to create the life you want ensures success. 

It takes time to get the ball rolling at first. Think about saving for retirement - savings today can compound and result in higher savings later. Every time you make a positive decision, you are saving in the bank of success. Choices aligned with your goals compound. 

Each small improvement adds up and results in success over time. The most important thing is that you DO NOT GIVE UP!

References

Olson, Jeffrey G. The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success. Success Books, 2013. 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "momentum". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/momentum. Accessed 13 December 2023.