What Your Choices Can Get You

You Vs Your Proactive Choices

Somehow, we've all been at this cliff of forcing ourselves to power through exhaustion, telling ourselves we’ll find joy or satisfaction later. Or convincing ourselves that when we achieve more, we’ll finally be grateful.

No matter what it is, If you’re not grateful for what you have now, you won’t be grateful when you have more.

This thought has been heavy on my mind lately. There was a time when I had none of the opportunities or resources I enjoy today. That includes my dream mobile and a space to myself. Back then, I prayed for moments like this. Yet, it’s so easy to forget that once we move forward. We get so caught up chasing the next big thing that we forget to appreciate the steps we’ve already taken.

As the year winds down, it’s natural to focus on the goals we didn’t achieve. Some plans didn’t make it past the brainstorming stage, and others fell apart despite our best efforts. That can sting.

I've learned progress isn’t always about crossing every resolution off your list. It may be about showing up consistently and longing for that one thing that keeps you alive and reminds you you're on a path to fulfilment. It may be about finding lessons in the setbacks, planning your comebacks, and growing in ways you didn’t expect.

One of my favourite lessons from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is the first habit: Be Proactive.

Stephen Covey writes,
"Proactive people focus on their Circle of Influence. They work on the things they can do something about, rather than blaming circumstances or others."

When I first read this, I realized how much time I spent worrying about things outside my control. People’s opinions, external obstacles, or even unpredictable outcomes. Proactivity is about choice. It’s deciding to take ownership of your actions, emotions, and responses, no matter what life throws at you.

If you’re stuck in traffic, you can choose to fume and complain (reactive) or use the time to listen to something beneficial, reflect, or plan your day (proactive). One approach gives your power away; the other helps you grow. The traffic wasn't your fault. Fuming won’t make the road suddenly become clear.

As you step into 2025, I challenge you to embrace proactivity. Stop waiting for the perfect moment, the ideal conditions, or someone else’s approval. Instead:

1. Focus on what’s in your control.
2. Create opportunities instead of waiting for them.
3. Let your actions, not circumstances, define your year.
4. Choose to be a product of your decisions, not your circumstances.

We’re at that time of year when motivation is everywhere. Vision boards are being created, resolutions are being written, and the buzz of “new year, new me” fills the air.

External motivation might light the spark, but discipline and proactivity keep the fire burning. At every decision-making point, do not forget to prioritize your well-being. You matter.

The seeds you planted in 2024 might not have bloomed yet, but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Take ownership of your journey. Water those seeds with consistent effort, and trust in the process.

So, as you review your goals and reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly, remember this: Growth doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from moving forward, no matter what.

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Final Reflection
➣ What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?
➣ How will you choose proactivity in 2025?

I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments as your story might inspire someone else to take action.

Thanks for reading, and for being an integral part of my journey this year. Let’s make 2025 the year of action, shall we?

Till the very next time. ❤️