OWN YOUR CHOICES

INTRODUCTION

Every day we make decisions. Some small, some big. But most of us never really learn how to live with them after we make them.

I know this feeling personally.

I didn't used to speak with my father much. My academic performance was not good and I felt ashamed around him. So I kept my distance. I told myself later, when things are better, I will talk to him properly. But later never came. He passed away. And now every single day I wake up with one regret — I should have just spoken to him. Results or no results. Shame or no shame. I should have just been his son.

WE THINK WE KNOW BEST

Most of the time when we make a decision we think we know best. We ignore advice from people around us. We think I know what I am doing. And then when things go wrong we suddenly remember every warning we ignored.

That is the most painful regret — not when nobody warned you, but when someone did and you didn't listen.

So before any big decision, actually listen to the people who care about you. They can see things you cannot.

COMMIT TO WHAT YOU CHOOSE

Many people make a decision and then spend all their time doubting it. They choose something but keep thinking about what else they could have chosen.

This is dangerous.

When you don't fully commit to your decision you never give it a real chance. A decision you half believe in will always half fail.

Once you decide — go all in. Trust yourself enough to see it through.

FACE WHATEVER COMES

If your decision goes wrong don't run from it. Don't blame others. Don't collapse in guilt either.

Just face it honestly. Accept it. Learn from it. Move forward.

Running from consequences doesn't make them disappear. It just turns them into shame that follows you everywhere.

THE SIMPLE TRUTH

Regret comes from three places:

• Not listening when we should have
• Not committing to what we chose
• Not facing what our choices brought

I lost precious time with my father because I let shame make my decisions for me. I thought I was protecting myself. I was actually just running away.

Don't wait for the right moment to do the right thing.

Think carefully. Listen honestly. Commit fully. Face whatever comes.