The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

Thinking before you choose is akin to looking before you leap. While we are cautioned to think first and act second, many have the tendency of acting without much consideration to their thoughts.

As empowering as it may be to make choices, the real power comes from your ability to think about and address the inherent consequences that come with each choice. Needless to say, thinking in advance is where the road gets slippery for many. Although they are excited about the buffet of choices before them, they often ignore glaring consequences that can be detrimental.

Even so, to think before you choose – or look before you leap – is still a choice. This may be a valuable habit to practice, but it is not etched in stone. You certainly are free to choose first and think later if you are so inclined. Whether you think first or not, the consequences are still yours. The point to ponder is the need to address the underlying consequences finely woven into the fabric of all choices.

Ironically, not choosing is still a choice that carries a consequence. Indeed, the habit of thinking before you choose is really a gift that you give to yourself. After all, you are a thinking being and the primary beneficial owner of your life. If this is not the case for you, there is much inner work to be done to clarify your situation.

However, as the primary beneficial owner, it is your responsibility to come to terms with the way in which you are running your life. When it comes to your choices/decisions are you asking ‘who, what, when, where, why’, as well as the ‘how? Posing these questions in advance makes you a responsible owner of your life. That’s right, you can own your life responsibly or irresponsibly. The choice is yours.

Be mindful that to think before you choose is not about employing some surface based thinking process. It’s about critical thinking and accounting for the shades of grey that often remain unaddressed. Critical thinking is a crucial life skill to add to your life toolbox. It enables you to thoroughly consider in advance decision that directly or indirectly influence your well-being or that of others.

This is part and parcel of being a responsible owner. No doubt, failing to think before you choose can lead you down that path of overwhelming negative consequences.

What I love about being the primary beneficial owner is that it places each of us in the position of authority over ourselves. As a result, at any time anyone can free themselves from the haphazard habit of leaping/choosing without forethought.

Even so, let’s understand that not everyone wants to be free; because freedom comes with responsibility. Quite frankly, you may be surprised at the number of folks who would quickly surrender their freedom because they are not prepared to take responsibility. Making responsible choices is the path of the brave-hearted. Faint-hearted folks are too afraid to step up and own their lives. They comfortably follow the herd and live on the treadmill of going along just to get along. Essentially, these folks gladly stand for nothing and happily fall for anything; blindly following the loudness speech or the most distracting dance. No real insight or foresight.

The end result of this demotivated attitude is that it amounts to living in a state of ‘whatever buck up goes’.

Such a depressing state is at best unproductive and uninspiring. It downgrades you to living fearful and powerless, as opposed to living your deeper truth, which is what makes you fearless and powerful. The power, of course, lies within.

Leader to leader, muster the audacity to think before you choose. Allow your life to be lived in a liberated, responsible and meaningful way. Disregarding your power to think critically about your choices may lead to situations that dim your inner light.

At the same time, thinking critically about your choices is still your decision. It is my hope that you are encouraged to live an empowered life by willingly taking personal responsibility. In so doing, you own your position of authority over your life. You give yourself permission to set the course, steer the ship and skillfully navigate the winds.

Owning the position of authority over your choices is a colossal step towards living an empowered life. Yes, you definitely can do it!

What do you think? Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 429-6770.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www.talktomichellemiller.com or call 1-888-620-7894; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060