5 Ways to Change Your Choices

We always have a choice. Too often, people abdicate that choice to limit their ownership and responsibility. Because if something is out of your control, when it fails, you can place blame on other people. 

However, we have the choice to start taking responsibility of our lives. MJ DeMarco said, 

"Many people want to change their life, but they are not willing to change their choices, and ultimately this changes nothing."

Are you willing to change your choices?

It takes hard work, commitment, and practice. Changing your choices results in a slow transition to the person you desire to be. This is not for those looking for a quick fix but for those interested in transforming their world. 

Here are five ways to start changing your choices:

1 - Identify Your Values

Values are your decision making criteria. If you do not know what they are (and the behaviors associated with each value), you are making your decisions on emotion, not on predetermined, long-term desires. Want to see an example? Here are my values and associated behaviors.

2 - Make Decisions in Advance

Are you eating (or not eating) specific foods? Before you arrive at a restaurant, take a look at the menu and select what you want to order based off your dietary needs. It is a lot easier to stick with a decision you have proactively made than making one in the moment when stress/emotions/peer pressure/temptation is high. This allows you to make a decision that supports the life you are in the process of creating. 

You can do this with your workouts (What classes are you going to attend? Which workout are you doing on what day?). You can do this with meals through the week (Having a menu and the food to make that menu planned out limits the ease of grabbing take-out).

3 - Use Ownership Language 

Are you "too busy" (aka your calendar is running your life) or are you choosing to spend your time doing something else? Everyone is busy. However, we are able to make the time when it is something we choose to prioritize. We need to start being honest: 
"I appreciate the invitation, but I do not have time today." 
Or: "This is not something I am interested in doing." 
Or: "Not yet, I need some time to think about it." 
Or: "No, thanks." 
Use language that reminds you that you make the decision. 

4 - Stop Blaming Others

Stop giving other people power in your life. You didn't want to get the COVID vaccine but did because work required it to maintain your job? You can be frustrated with the requirement, but you have to be honest with yourself: you decided to keep that job, which required you to get the shot. We all determine our priorities, and make choices against them. Give yourself an opportunity to look at the choices you have made and determine what they say about your priorities. 

Yes - there are always consequences for making a choice. Some of those consequences are more severe than others - and you have to balance them with your choice. 

5 - Prepare What You Need

Do you not want to use plastic (straws or utensils)? Invest in a reusable set so you can align with that choice. Are you choosing to eat healthy when you travel? Do what my husband and I do and pack a meal to take with you on the plane. Are you planning on working in the waiting room? Make sure your computer is fully charged before you go. Do you have to head out really early tomorrow? Fill up your tank with gas the day before. 

Too often we are waiting until last minute and it limits our choices, often putting us in a position where we feel like we cannot choose. Get proactive. Think about what you need BEFORE you are in the position where you need it.