Choose Who You Will Be Today

I spoke with someone who appears to have given up, at least with what they are currently dealing with. This individual feels incapable of changing their current situation, and has accepted, or claims to have accepted, what people think of him. This individual has potential, but lacks self-esteem, and has a feeling the world is against him. He believes he has no power to change what he is currently going through. Because of this he refuses to make an effort to change. It is not complacency, per say, because he is not happy with his current situation and would prefer change. He has, however, surrendered his mind to the opinions and words of others.

One day, I presented an opportunity to him. I was not going to be upset or disappointed if he chose not to take it, but his response made me uneasy. He felt there was no point to take advantage of his opportunity because people have already decided the type of person he is and what he will end up doing or being in the near future.

First impressions can be quite important but should never be the end all. People will have their moments and could be in another place in their mind, dealing with their own stress. I would never excuse certain behaviors, however, we often times forget other people have their own lives and stresses. Meeting someone for the first time should not always require immediate judgement.

I spoke with this person and told them this: Not everyone will like you, and you will never be able to make everyone like you. In trying to, you will end up losing yourself. Even if you change for the better or worse, many people will base their perceptions of you on what they used to know about you. A lot of people will criticize you changing or wanting to change, any times because this change does not benefit them. Still, this should not prevent you from improving. What others say of you should never deter you from seeking better for yourself, even if others continue to try to define you. If you want to be better, do better. You know what needs to get done. Work on yourself, starting with small steps. One thing I have learned, who you choose to be today will have a much greater affect on your future than who you were yesterday.

Potential has no limit.