Two Choices

"Get busy living or get busy dying" -Andy Dufrane (Shawshank Redemption)

This is one of my favorite quotes. To me, it sums up the only two choices we really have. Many will disagree with this sentiment. Yet, when we break it all down, everything ultimately comes back to these two choices.

Sadly, many choose to "get busy dying". They allow others to dictate the type of life they will lead. This allows them to blame others when their life fails to turn out the way they desire. Of course, they will use all kinds of justification for the way things are. However, their deep-seeded resentment and unhappiness comes from settling for a meager existence.

Personal responsibility means that you take control of your own life. Too many want to cede that to others. We are taught that we need to conform to the ideas of others. Going to school, getting a career, marrying, and raising a family are the keys to happiness. Others whom we respect tell us that we need to be responsible by getting a good paying job. Everything revolves around the financial aspect of life. Pursuing one's dreams is often discouraged because of the risk involved.

Studies show that over 75% of the general population hates their job. This is an overwhelming statistic. It is no wonder that so many people are unhappy. They despise how they spend 1/3 of their total week. And how do these people respond to this situation: by complaining about it. Rarely does one take the initiative to improve his or her skills. They eke out a living doing something they hate so that they can get the paycheck.

If you want to change your life, the first step is to take personal responsibility for where you are. Nobody is forcing you to work where you do. Unless the law changed, it is illegal to put a slavery clause in an employment contract. Decide what your dreams are and lay a path to pursue them. This is what "getting busy living" is all about.

Settling for less than you truly desire is the path to death. There is no reason why you cannot attain all the levels of success that you crave. It does entail shaking off the limiting beliefs that hindered you for so long. Expand the possibilities of your mind. Let us all embrace life.
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