I have been listening to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People lately. This is an amazing self transformation series which has the ability to effect change at many levels.
One of the most amazing and impactful segments for me is the story of Viktor Frankl. Frankl, while imprisoned in a Nazi Concentration Camp was able to become so self aware that he was able to see himself from an external point of view. In doing this he was able to find meaning amidst his suffering. Even though his family was succumbing to the terror of the Nazi slaughter Frankl was able to make a profound discovery in himself. This Man was able to realize that the one true freedom that we all possess is that of "I can decide how I am going to let this affect me".
Let’s be honest it is always easier to play the victim. "Well my boss is a jerk and won't listen so I am just not going to put any more effort into it than I have to." Great philosophy I know! This yields many great results doesn't it. Maybe a marriage example "My wife is just self centered and I am always forgotten. I guess that what I want just doesn't matter". Another great one huh?... Is this really how God designed us?
What qualities do the most influential people today and figures of historical significance possess? Ones that actually made profound change, stood up for what was right, or even said or did something that you thought "WOW" that is the kind of person that I want to be. Were these people proactive or reactive? If you said proactive you were right. These proactive and self aware individuals possess the power to choose their response to any situation whether good or bad. This does not always mean that the outcome is always what we wish. It might be exactly the opposite. However, when that time comes Good or Bad the proactive person will choose the next step and or right frame of mind which will help them grow as a person.
We all have as self aware beings the power to choose. This is an amazing and liberating realization. Once we realize that everything is a choice and not a sentence we can start taking responsibility for our actions and start living seeing life as we want to see it. Let’s face it there are far fewer victims out there than the supposed “victims” would lead you to believe.
