The Tribune

As 2016 enters its final few weeks and we look forward to the birth of 2017, many people will begin to look back with regret or look forward with glee.

No matter which position you find yourself in, you must decide ‘what’s next for you?’

Whatever is next for you will require time. It is baffling the unproductive ways in which so many use their time. Yes, we do live in a paradigm of distractions. However, you are in control and must be selective in the way you use your time. You see, your time is not only your most precious resource; it actually levels the playing field.

Consider this: we each get 24 hours per day. Be you ‘wealthy’ or ‘poor’ you get the same - 24. One of the best kept secrets of success is that successful people make better use of their time. They realise that their success is directly tied to the productive use of time and they are driven to do more with their 24 hours, so to speak

As you ponder what’s next for you, understand that your time is a major factor. Taking time to contemplate what you will do next in your life is of enormous value. Try not to get too overwhelmed by the results you see showing up - instead, focus more on the process. Every successful outcome begins with a successful process. The farmer knows that a bountiful harvest is only the result of the enriching process of cultivating, planting and nurturing.

Another point of note is the idea of blaming others. While it may be easy, blaming others for your perceived failures is another unproductive use of your time. Blaming changes nothing. You are better off figuring out how to take responsibility. Early on in my life I came to accept that nobody - and I mean nobody - ought to be held more responsible for my life than me. It is my life - I am responsible - plain and simple. The same is true for you: it is your life, you are responsible, full stop.

Taking responsibility empowers you to decide what’s next for your life. Whether you agree or not, you are the driving force behind your life. At any time you can choose to stay the same or rewrite the script to move your life forward. Taking the latter position will enable you to select better choices and make more productive use of your time.

Now here’s the catch ... and there is always a catch. You cannot become a better person if you are spending your time around, negative bitter people. Bitterness serves only to overshadow your betterment. Therefore, you must remove yourself from negative, bitter people and places. This includes your media intake. Absorbing bitter quality movies, music and conversations will not produce an improved outcome.

Your mind takes the shape of the information you feed it. As we say, ‘garbage in, garbage out’. Find media programmes that inspire you and provide positive food for your mind. After making such adjustments, begin the process of choosing what’s next. A good starting place is to re-evaluate your sense of identity. Sadly, millions of people self-identify according to their title, status or what they could build or buy. The difficulty with this form of identity is if who you are is based only on things you own and you lose all your stuff, what happens to your identity?

Consider adopting this quiet truth: you are more than what your money or status can buy. Your self worth is woven into the universal tapestry that upholds the sun, moon and stars. Can you imagine that? Accept this unlimited identity and take time to really decide what’s next for your life.

Perhaps you desire to embark on uncovering your purpose - going back to school or finally doing that one thing you have been promising to do for years. Whatever you choose, begin to create a vision and set goals. Understand that every vision needs a goal, every goal needs a plan and every plan needs a strategy.

Leader to leader, you are the CEO of your life and it is your responsibility to choose what’s next. Take time to re-define yourself and set goals that drive you to take your life higher. The courage and confidence of choosing what’s next is a great step towards living an empowered life.

Yes, you can do it!

• Michelle M Miller is a certified Life Coach and Communications/Leadership Expert. Questions or comments can be sent to email coaching242@yahoo.com or telephone 429-6770 or visit www.talktomichellemmiller.com or snail mail to PO Box CB-13060