Everything you do, every single day, is a choice.  You can choose to do something or you can choose not to do it.  But in the end, it’s your choice.

Originally, that small paragraph was going to be the entire blog.  It really is as simple as that.  However when I bring up this point during my workshops, I’m often met with some resistance. 

“But I have to drive my kids to school.”

“I have to go to my mother-in-law’s house for dinner every Sunday.”

I’m not saying there aren’t consequences that come along with your choices, but you do have a choice.

You don’t have to drive your kids to school.  They could take the bus, you could talk to other moms and dads in their school about setting up a carpool, your spouse could drive them, they may be able to walk to school, etc.  There certainly are other options.  If you choose to drive your kids to school, despite these other options, then that’s your choice.

You don’t have to go to your mother-in-law’s house every Sunday for dinner.  You could stay home and have your family go without you.  Your spouse may not like it, but it’s a possible choice.  Maybe your family is busy with sports on the weekends, as many are.  You can explain that to your mother-in-law (or have your spouse do it) and tell her you’re cutting back your visits to once a month.  You can also offer to have her come to your house once per month, if that would make things easier.  Again, other options exist.  You may be afraid to rock the boat and so you choose to attend those Sunday dinners.  If that’s the case, then that’s your choice.

So the next time you hear yourself say, “I have to….,” change your wording to say, “I choose to….”

When you start changing your language and “I choose to…” is followed by something you really don’t want to do, I can guarantee you’ll start looking for other options.  It’s just a simple way to remind you that you do have a choice.