By Reggie Aquilina
We are not provided with the chance to experience life by choice.
We do not choose our unique physical characteristics, genes and intrinsic essence.
The gift of life is given to us as an opportunity – a seed that awaits its potential manifestation and development based upon the experiences each one of us will be exposed to in life.
However there is also the element of choice. We can CHOOSE to become who we want to be, based on the DECISIONS we make along the way.
Our intrinsic natural capabilities and attraction towards a specific Life Mission will remain within us, waiting for the opportune time to be discovered. But the richness and qualities we develop through life, based on our decisions, will be our gift back to our Creator.
The big question is:
Will you be a passive or active participant in life?
Will the seed of your potential be buffeted by the external powers of the winds or will it grow into a strong plant that celebrates your intrinsic beauty?
The answer is up to you. Life provides you with many opportunities to develop yourself into a richer being. Once you discover your Inner Essence, that is, your Core Values and Life Purpose it is as if your mind hones into the natural order of life.
You will start noticing more ‘coincidences’ and opportunities that seem to manifest themselves even more frequently than before. As you align yourself naturally to your Dream, personal Goals, Core Values and Purpose, life will seem to flow with your intentions.
Concerning all acts of initiative, there is one elementary truth: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. (attributed to J.W. von Goethe)
So be bold and expand your circle of influence on a daily basis. ‘Kaizenize’ your life by applying a personal standard that will improve your life incrementally everyday. Small and regular improvements based on the opportunities that manifest themselves in your life.
Watch out what new things you can learn everyday. Explore your Core Values and align your actions to them-but also develop new skills, knowledge and experiences. Be audacious and have fun. Make a list of things you want to try out and do before you die. As you become more aware of the potential opportunities to expand your personality you will have the ability to enrich yourself on a daily basis.
As you raise your personal standards of the activities you already do, you develop yourself vertically because you reach new heights of excellence. On the other hand, as you develop yourself horizontally by trying out new things you will expand your presence in life and become richer in the process. As you look back in time you will be amazed by the passage of your life and the rich changes you have created.
I started off with very few labels I could call myself. I was kicked out of my first job as a waiter and this was followed by a number of disappointing experiences in a few factories.
But after some years I went through an ‘aha’ experience that changed my life. I decided what I would not accept anymore in my life and once I clarified my Core Values and Life Purpose, a new future dawned for me. Life became exciting and I started to wake up everyday ready for a new challenge.
Because I started nurturing personal growth on a daily basis, I found out over time that I could give myself so many personality labels. Here’s 10 of them:
1. A husband
2. A father of 4 children
3. A Personal Development Educator and Practice Developer of Nurses
4. A Life Coach
5. A Writer
6. An Internet Marketer
7. A Motivational Speaker
8. The Chairperson of an Orthopedic Nurses Association
9. An Organizer of Conferences and Seminars
10. A Student of Life – always ready to learn new things
The labels I can now give myself did not happen suddenly. They were developed over time as I became aware of the daily opportunities that presented themselves – and as I took action on each one of them.
I honed my skill at noticing these opportunities over time so that as soon as I see even a small prospect presenting itself I just start questioning how I could use this and where it will take me.
So shift your awareness from hassles to opportunities and start taking action on a daily basis. Use each opportunity that presents itself to expand your personality and make sure you learn from each experience. Because each new experience has a wealth of potential personal growth. Each experience will weave a new colorful thread in the tapestry of your life.
To receive a FREE Report that provides information on the 10 Vital Keys to Life Success and other resources visit http://www.insightzonecoach.com or http://www.insightzonecoach.com/blog
Reggie Aquilina is the Founder of Insight Zone Academy. He is a Life Coach and works in the field of Adult Learning and Development. He is actively involved in providing e-learning resources related to Life Coaching and he is the creator of the Life Coaching Home Study Course: The 10 PowerKeys Program.