Did you know there is a difference between being empowered, making a commitment, and just letting circumstances make the decisions for you?
Every day, we experience results and make decisions. These decisions range from mundane choices like what time to wake up in the morning to more significant ones like what career path to pursue. The decisions we make directly influence the outcomes we experience, and even the smallest choices can have a profound impact on our lives. This is why it’s crucial to understand how to make empowered decisions.
Best-selling author and renowned life coach Bob Proctor said, “There is a single mental move you can make which, in a millisecond, will solve enormous problems for you. It has the potential to improve almost any personal or business situation you will ever encounter… and it could literally propel you down the path to incredible success. We have a name for this magic mental activity. It is called… DECISION.”
Highly successful people are willing to decide for what they would love – even in the absence of knowing how to bring it about. Some people want to know every step of the way before deciding. They want green lights down the whole street before they’ll back out of the driveway. However, the key is to make a firm decision for what you want BEFORE you bring your dream into reality.
To illustrate the power of decision-making, let’s look at the story of William H. Murray, one of the top five mountain climbers of all time. His journey to greatness wasn’t straightforward and almost never happened.
The Story of William H. Murray
William H. Murray is known for his significant contributions to mountain climbing, but he didn’t start out that way. In fact, he almost let the opportunity for greatness slip by. The greatest achievement for any mountain climber is to summit Mt. Everest. Edmund Hillary, a legendary climber, was putting together a team to attempt to do just that, and he wanted Murray on his team.
At that point, no one had ever reached the peak of Mt. Everest, and the expedition required a significant investment of time and money. Each climber had to pay their own way. When Hillary invited Murray, he was excited but asked, “How much is it going to cost?” Confronted with the price, he saw no way of coming up with that kind of money and had to decline the invitation. Hillary went on the climb without him, but the team did not reach the summit.
A couple of years later, Hillary sought out Murray again for another expedition. Once more, Murray asked about the cost, and once again, he declined, believing the number was beyond his means. Hillary’s team hiked Everest without him a second time and got further up the mountain, but still did not reach the peak.
Hillary asked Murray again for the third time, saying, “Listen, Murray. We’re going to go one more time. And I think we’re going to reach the summit this time! Because when we got down last time, I looked back at Everest and I said – I will climb you because you’re not getting any bigger and I AM!”
This time, Murray asked a different question: “How much is the deposit?” He decided he would go on this expedition, even though he had no idea how he was going to pay for the trip. He was committed. He put down the initial payment and was on his way.
As it turns out, Murray attracted all the financial resources required for the full expedition. And it was Murray who discovered a southern route on Everest that allowed the group to summit the mountain. Murray wrote about his experience in a book called “Evidence of Things Not Seen.” One of the famous quotes from that book is, “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” It is actually absence of awareness.
Transforming Your Life
Murray’s story demonstrates the importance of making a firm decision and committing to your dream, even when the path isn’t clear. This principle applies to all areas of life, not just mountain climbing. Whether it’s starting a new career, launching a business, or pursuing a personal passion, the power of decision-making can transform your life.
Real-Life Examples of Empowered Decision-Making
Here are some real-life stories of individuals who transformed their lives by making empowered decisions and pursuing their dreams:
Chris Gardner: Chris Gardner’s life was depicted in the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness." He was a homeless salesman struggling to care for his young son. Despite hardships, he pursued an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm. Through determination, he became a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur.
J.K. Rowling: Before becoming famous, J.K. Rowling was a single mother on welfare. She wrote the first Harry Potter book in cafés while her daughter slept. Despite numerous rejections, she persevered, and the Harry Potter series became a global phenomenon.
Sylvester Stallone: Stallone faced numerous rejections and financial difficulties before achieving success. He wrote the script for "Rocky" and insisted on starring in it. "Rocky" became a massive success, launching his career.
Vera Wang: Initially a competitive figure skater and fashion editor, Wang pursued her dream of becoming a fashion designer at 40. She became one of the most renowned bridal gown designers in the world.
Samuel L. Jackson: Jackson struggled with addiction and minor roles before achieving success in his mid-40s with "Pulp Fiction." His persistence made him one of the most successful actors in Hollywood.
Colonel Harland Sanders: Sanders was 65 when he decided to franchise his fried chicken recipe. Despite numerous rejections, KFC became a global fast-food empire.
Julia Child: Child discovered her passion for cooking in her late 30s and became one of the most famous chefs in the world, demonstrating it’s never too late to follow your passion.
Ray Kroc: Kroc was a 52-year-old salesman when he turned McDonald's into a global fast-food chain, revolutionizing the industry.
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Wilder began writing the "Little House" series in her 60s. Her books became beloved classics, showing it’s never too late to start a new career.
Tony Robbins: Robbins started as a janitor and became a renowned motivational speaker and life coach, helping millions improve their lives.
Just like these individuals, you have the power within you to transform your life by making empowered decisions. Imagine what your life could be if you committed to your dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
If you’re ready to stop letting circumstances dictate your life and start living your dreams, I invite you to book a strategy session with me. Together, we will explore your goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and create a plan to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – make the decision now and start your journey to a fulfilling life.
Book your strategy session today and take the first step towards living a life of purpose and passion. Remember, the power to change your life lies within you. Make the decision to harness that power and create the future you desire.
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