Into the Unknown

“Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.” Julien Smith

In the classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the young girl finds herself before two paths. She asks the Cheshire Cat which way she should go.

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

"I don't much care where-" said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you walk," said the Cat.

"--so long as I get somewhere," Alice added as an explanation.

"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."

I've noticed that choices are like dominoes. Tip one over and it sets in motion an entire series of events. And they often fall in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes pretty nice and sometimes not so nice.

3 Choices You Won't Regret In 3 Years

For me, more than anything else, I have regretted the chances I didn’t take, the friendships I was too afraid to have, and the decisions I waited too long to make.

When I think about it, there a several big opportunities I have procrastinated on in my past. Bummer.

Every one of us have experienced feelings of regret.  But here is something I know very well; it’s not too late to set things right. We’re still here breathing.  Today we have an opportunity to change tomorrow.  Right now we can choose to erase regret from our later years.

Helpful tips from Marc and Angel Chernof: marcandangel.com

1. Seek what YOU love, and own it.

Your heart beats to something you are really naturally strong at. Our world loves to point out what's wrong in us but wait a minute! How about we take a look at what's naturally strong in us? In fact, it's what's naturally strong in us that can land us in a place of absolute joy and satisfaction in life. I have said for years that I'm doing my dream job. I've been working with students for nearly 40 years. What's naturally strong in me? I'm a person of positivity, a communicator, strategic an activator and a maximizer, (Gallup CliftonStrengths). I love encouraging students to capture their hopes and dreams, to maximize their potential and to take charge of their lives. I am owning what I love...impacting the lives of students.

2. Wake up every morning and get the RIGHT things done.

As a teenager, I learned that the world did not owe me anything.  It's important to stop daydreaming and start DOING.  Begin to do NOW what will get you closer to your hopes and dreams. Take full responsibility for your life – take charge of your life. Don't wait for "someday" to arrive and carry you away.  Someday is now! What you're doing today matters toward your future. Focus on being productive, not being busy.  Don’t just get things done; get the right things done.

3. Practice relentless kindness.

Kindness is always the best response to any situation.  When you grow older and you look back on your life, you will forget a lot of the things that seemed so important when you were young. But you will never forget the people who were genuinely kind – those who helped when you were hurt, and who loved you even when you felt unlovable.  Be that person to others as often as possible. And, as you know, what goes around comes around. You show kindness and watch how kindness will find you.

Your turn...

Which of the 3 Choices moves you the most and why? I'd love to hear from you.