This is the second entry on defining moments (a time when you made a life-changing decision). In this one, let’s examine defining moments when you had the choice to stay the same, or become more of who you want to be … it is a choice we continually make.

I am generally a very positive and happy person, but this wasn’t always true. In my twenties, a girlfriend broke up with me by saying, “I can’t live in your world of negativity anymore.” As I reflected on her statement, there was a painful realization that she was right. I had a choice: Do I continue on as I was, or do I have the courage to become a more positive person? I chose the latter. I even took a humor workshop to learn to laugh because I laughed so little that it was uncomfortable! I will always be thankful for my ex-girlfriend. She gave me a defining moment, a gift. Almost 30 years later, I am a positive person, laugh a lot and … I work daily to be more positive.

Would you like to be different in some way? If yes …

Have the courage to be honest with yourself, review your defining moments.
If your previous choice(s) is not helping you be who you want to be,
be courageous, make a new decision …
then work every day to become who you want to be.