Create Your Certainty

We are the creators of our own destiny. Those words are a mighty strong declaration when you consider the natural state of entropy and uncertainty that exists in the world. Yet, if we stop long enough to acknowledge the reality of this statement, we would clearly see that there are many people who live by the powerful simplicity of this credo. In short, you can create a certainty in your life that will lead you to a destiny of preference rather than one of circumstance.

To be clear, we are not defined by our circumstance. If circumstance has dealt you a bad hand, then rest assured it has done so for a reason. Look for the insight that resides inside the veil of circumstance and take responsibility to learn from the lessons it provides. Then...make a conscious decision to redefine your destiny using the virtues of opportunity created by circumstance.

We create our own reality by the choices we make. If you think about it, the manner in which we act or react to literally anything and everything sets the perspective on how we see life. The power of choice is one of the most extraordinary tools we have at our disposal to literally change the course of our lives. Want people to respect you? Then choose to be respectful. Want to realize a dream or goal? Then make a choice to create that goal and chart a course. Don't wait. Make a decision right now to use the power of choice to create certainty in your life. But don't stop there. Now you must act!

Certainty Reveals a New Direction

Your action is the catalyst that allows you to escape circumstance through the immense power of your ability to choose a new direction. If you find yourself in a state of unhappiness for whatever reason, you must first understand that you have the power to change it. Only you can decide when you've had enough of your current circumstances. Only you can redefine the kind of life you desire. And only you can decide to do something about it. No one else can change your circumstances without your permission. You create your own certainty!

Want to be the top producer in your company? Create your certainty by making a conscious decision to be just that. Your power of choice creates opportunities. Take advantage of the opportunities. Emulate others who are successful. Do what they do. And be persistent. Follow through with a plan and act on it. Don't like your job...your relationship...your finances? Look beyond your circumstances by creating a vision of the conditions you desire. Then...create your certainty!

Tap Into Your Ability to Visualize

Your ability to visualize is a powerful force that brings about change. Think about the last time you really thought about something that excited you. My bet is that it changed your entire state of being. Your ability to visualize increases confidence, sharpens your creative acuity, and enhances your ability to see opportunities instead of obstacles. Make a conscious declaration using the powerful images of your vision that right now is when you will begin to realize your dreams.

Be Decisive!

Remember, life doesn't happen "to" us—it happens "for" us. The point is that we get a vote on how it happens "for" us. Don't get in your own way. Get out of your head as soon as possible and get into a state of being that supports your dreams, desires, and aspirations. Your state—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is something you will begin to experience changes in once you consciously decide to enact change.

Be decisive and don't stray...no matter what. Don't allow fear to get between you and your ability to decide. Make that decision! Whether it is right or wrong you will find out faster than if you avoid making a decision altogether. You can always make adjustments once your plan is under way.

Life is about the experience of the journey and the moments we create along the way. The content and quality of the experiences are largely determined by the certainty we create and the rituals we keep. Are your rituals supporting your dreams, goals, and aspirations? If not, perhaps it's time to do something about it.

Until next time...
-G-

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." 
~ G. Westfal

We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative.

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Be Yourself

Be yourself!  No regrets…

We’re often told that in order to achieve any level of success, we should follow proven formulas and logically established patterns.  Our dreams and aspirations are judged and categorized according to perceptions by those who are all-too-ready to offer advice, albeit with the best of intentions.  Typically, this advice comes from those closest to us – our parents, family, and friends.  So it goes that we’re often told how to be just like someone else in order to become an individual success.  Yet, rarely, if ever, do we hear the wise counsel of advice to just be ourselves, be different, or unique.   

I’m all for modeling when it comes to success.  After all, why re-invent the wheel or create a new process to pursuing success when proven paths already exist?  After all, the traditional routes will work and provide expected rewards.  And if that’s your desire, by all means, take the path and enjoy the journey!  That said however, there is some merit in being true to ourselves, setting aside fears, and embarking on a path of creativity, imagination and innovation.  There’s so much more satisfaction potential in that route…if you have the fortitude.  If you desire to experience a satisfaction and fulfillment few truly enjoy, reach deep and look for the true essence of your calling.  Trust me; you’ll know it when you discover it. 

Those who have discovered and acted upon their true calling or deep desires, understand it comes with an inherent personal responsibility.  Like most other things we’ve discussed in this forum, decisions must be made unilaterally with a complete understanding that no one else will care and feed for your passions like you will!  Therefore, once you make the discovery, it's incumbent upon YOU to nurture and guard your dreams and aspirations with everything you’ve got in order to see it to fruition.  As you most likely already know however, discouragement lurks around every corner and among every gesture of “good advice” to take the easy way out and follow the crowd.  After all, being different takes work, determination...fortitude.  The best way to defend yourself?

Be true to yourself.  Discover yourself.  Know yourself! 

In one of the college courses I teach, we speak about the elements of effective decision-making.  I use it to teach a decision-making process from a business perspective.  One of the best models I’ve discovered is the “OODA” Loop.  This model, originally designed by USAF Colonel John Boyd, serves as a benchmark concept originally applied to the combat operations process.  But it is a useful tool across a much wider spectrum and can be applied here as a self-analysis tool as well.  See if you can apply it as you think of how to identify and evaluate your circumstances with respect to your calling.

•  Observe
•  Orient
•  Decide
•  Act

Observe – One of the most basic, yet difficult, aspects of this process is to be still long enough to gather enough information about ourselves to be useful.  Oftentimes this requires us to quiet our minds, conduct an honest assessment of our situation, circumstances, surroundings and self-reliance capacity in order to form an overall realistic plan to achieve a desired outcome.  I mention self-reliance because this is all about your capacity and willingness to fulfill all of the steps in order to reach your goal and enjoy the fruits of your passion once you discover your innermost desires. 

A word of caution is in order here – be careful to discern the difference between a realistic discovery and fantasy.  This can sometimes be difficult to accomplish given the original blueprint of your “programming.”  Are you programmed for success?  If so, your mind will “show” you things quite easily and you'll tend to choose wisely.  If you’re not, you’re likely to be discouraged and easily give up when things get tough or obstacles present themselves.  Don’t worry though – most of us can be reprogrammed.  I’m living proof of that. 

Orient – Okay, so you think you have a pretty good idea of your circumstances, obstacles, and willingness to follow through.  Cool!  Now it’s time to orient yourself. 

A word-picture exercise may be in order here.  Draw a circle in the center of a blank page.  Put your name in the circle.  Now, choose a label that best describes your passion and place it right under your name.  I used “writer” for my label.  Yours may be actor, engineer, business owner, father, mother, volunteer, philanthropist, doctor, etc. 

Place all of the elements you require to reach your passions or calling in random circles outside your name.  Those that are easiest to reach or achieve should be placed closest.  Those that are more elusive should be placed a bit further away.  The same must be done with your known circumstances, distractions or obstacles.  Words that are appropriate for these circles are things like geography (long distance), money/funding, time, market, self-doubt, etc.  

Decide – Once you’ve oriented yourself and have collected the elements and obstacles of your circumstances, it’s time to decide on a plan of action.  This step is sometimes referred to as the roadmap step.  With any good plan we must first determine our current position (our circumstances or status) followed closely with an analysis of the obstacles we're likely to face along the way, and a clear plan to avoid or deal with those obstacles.  We must also ensure we have the necessary fuel it’ll take to drive on toward our destination (drive, motivation, fortitude, etc.). 

Act –Without action, a plan remains just that - a plan – good intentions in a dormant state.  This step of action is perhaps one of the most important and pivotal among all the elements.  Although action by itself will not guarantee success, without it, results will never materialize. 

One important element bearing inclusion with the action step is follow-through!  Make sure to stay on top of your game and be consistent in looking after your plan.  Educate yourself, defend your goal or objective, and feed your desire in order to maintain your momentum.  It's so easy to disrupt the flow of action...especially in the beginning.  Stay consistent and follow-through and you will realize your goal! 

Dare to be different…dare to be unique…dare to be yourself!  Doing so brings out the very best and stirs an emotion from deep within ourselves that is such an awesome experience!  It’s not about money.  It’s not about fame.  It’s something much more substantive.  It’s truly about recognizing our calling or desire and knowing we have the courage to act on a dream or an inspiration that will bring true happiness and fulfillment to the human spirit!  I encourage you to experience it.  You won't regret it.  

Until next time...

 - G -

"To be true to one's self is the essence of true happiness."  - G. Westfal - 

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