Choices and Opportunities

Choices abound, and with them comes the challenge of decision-making. How do we navigate through so many options? Reflect on a century ago when choices were limited. Even in the 80s and 90s, the landscape was vastly different. Amazon, for instance, emerged only in 1994! I still remember my first Amazon purchase—a radar detector in 1999—and I wondered if this online store would ever take off!

The fascinating aspect of choice is that it transcends mere material possessions. Today, our decisions can shape not only our belongings but also our identities and futures. The opportunities available today are unimaginable compared to just 50 years ago.

In this information age, technology has unlocked new paths for work and income. If you desire, you can generate income from virtually anywhere and create products with minimal overhead. You can even market goods without the traditional constraints of manufacturing or inventory.

Yet, one fundamental area of choice has been present since the dawn of humanity. In recent decades, books have served as crucial tools for understanding these essential choices.

What choices, you ask? The most pivotal choices one can make—those that impact every other decision. They revolve around who you are, what you do, and who you aim to become.

All it takes to navigate these choices is the right questions. Let’s delve into two questions that can guide you toward making the best life choices!

“It’s choice — not chance — that determines your destiny.” — Jean Nidetch (1923–2015)

Let’s begin with the first question: What do you choose to DO with your life?

Have you ever pondered, “What do I want to accomplish in my life?” Surprisingly few people do. Yet, taking the time to consider this question can be transformative. The answer sets the course for every significant decision you’ll make. What happens if you never ask yourself this pivotal question?

Picture yourself in a small boat with just two oars, adrift in the vast Atlantic Ocean. You have enough supplies for a few weeks, but what if you choose to surrender and waste your potential? Without land in sight, you might row endlessly, ultimately becoming nothing more than fish food. Is this how you wish to navigate life? Unfortunately, many opt to drift aimlessly, leaving their fate to chance.

One evening, while gazing at the stars, you recall learning about the North Star. Sailors have relied on it for centuries before the advent of modern navigation. As you float in the northern hemisphere, you realize this star could serve as your guide.

Spotting a star that remains fixed in the night sky, you deduce it’s the North Star. Using it as your beacon, you begin to row westward as long as it’s visible. When it fades with the dawn, you continue to steer in that direction, praying for clear nights.

As long as you keep moving west, there’s hope of reaching land. Isn’t life much like this? With a guiding light, progress is possible through effort. However, without direction, you may find yourself lost. Failing to seek the answer to “What do I want to do with my life?” could lead to drifting through existence. Yet, even a hint of an answer can provide much-needed direction. Continue searching for that guiding question, and you may eventually find your way.

“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” — William Jennings Bryan (1860–1925)

Now, let’s explore the second essential question: Who do you choose to BECOME?

Similar to the first, this question influences nearly every major decision you make. I recently stumbled upon a quote that encouraged me to reflect on this topic: “The most profound choice in life is to either accept things as they exist or to accept the responsibility for changing them.” — Don Koberg (1930-present)

Do you accept yourself as you are? Or do you feel the urge to change? You might think, “I’m fine as I am. No changes are necessary.” But this is also a choice—a choice to remain stagnant. As long as you’re alive, you are consistently making choices.

Psychology Today notes that the average person makes around 35,000 decisions daily! In this context, decisions and choices are synonymous; every decision requires a choice to accept or reject it.

The challenge arises when you choose to accept things as they are. Without action, stagnation occurs, leading to a decline. While we all face mortality, I certainly don’t wish to rush toward it! I prefer to thrive and grow for as long as possible—that's the essence of life for us humans: to progress rather than regress.

“We have no choice; we must all die. How we live, however, is entirely of our choosing.” — Simon Sinek (1973-present)

Your answer to this question shapes all your other choices! Your decision about who you are becoming influences the trajectory of your life and every subsequent decision. Reflecting on this choice is crucial, ensuring that your other decisions align with it.

Final Thoughts

By seeking answers to these two vital questions, you can significantly influence the direction and outcome of your life. This process can empower you to create the life you desire.

Here are a few additional guiding questions, or “North Star questions,” that may assist you in answering the two fundamental queries above:

• How do I spend my time?
• What inspires me?
• Who do I surround myself with?
• What knowledge do I seek?
• How do I grow?
• Where do I envision myself in my later years?
• What legacy do I want to leave behind?

Regularly contemplate these questions alongside the two primary ones. Your mind will naturally seek answers. Even partial responses can serve as valuable navigational tools in your life.

Take the time to reflect on these questions seriously. You, and those who care about you, will be grateful for the choices you make!

“Your choices decide your fate. Take the time to make the right ones.” — Robert Kiyosaki (1947-present)

In this enlightening video, "Two Questions That Can Change Your Life," the speaker dives into the transformative power of introspective questions, guiding you toward meaningful life choices.

The video "These 3 Questions Will Change How You Do EVERYTHING!" explores impactful inquiries that can reshape your daily approach and decisions.