To Live is to Choose

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there." - Kofi Annan

On this winding, sometimes bumpy road we call life, our ability to navigate through or around some of the obstacles and potholes can be challenging.

If you're anything like me, you've probably found yourself standing at life's crossroads more than once, agonising over which path to take.

Sometimes, the choices are easy, and others may feel impossible. You may wonder if there is any sensible way to navigate the landscape.

Kofi Anan, the seventh secretary-general of the United Nations, offers some simple but powerful words that may help.

Firstly, he says, "To live is to choose."

From the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we drift off to sleep at night, we're faced with a never-ending series of choices, big and small.

Should I hit the snooze button or drag myself out of bed? Should I have oatmeal or avocado toast for breakfast? Should I pursue a career in accounting or follow my passion for inventing new things?

The possibilities are endless, but the decisions we make shape the course of our lives in profound ways. Your journey as an Accountant vs. an Inventor will likely be quite different.

But here's the kicker: it's not just about making choices; it's about making the right choices.

And that's where the second part of Kofi Annan's quote comes in:

"But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for."

In other words, a profound self-awareness is critical.

You must know what makes you tick, what lights a fire in your belly, what makes your heart sing.

During the Second World War, Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch reportedly said, "The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire".

Should you not be using this in your own life?

Take Tumi, for example. She spent years bouncing from one job to another, trying to climb the corporate ladder and chase that elusive corner office. But deep down, she knew her true passion lay in helping others.

Her soul wasn't on fire.

She was at a crossroads. Should she take the more financially lucrative road of the corporate world or follow her heart?

It wasn't until she took the time to reflect on her values and priorities that she realised she was meant to be a teacher.

Now, she's never been happier, spending her days inspiring young minds and making a real difference in the world.

As we can see from Tumi's example, our values can serve as a compass, guiding us towards understanding who we are and what we stand for.

To illustrate this, let's look at a few values. We can start by looking at the importance of integrity.

If honesty and transparency are essential, you'll likely gravitate towards situations and relationships where these qualities are valued and upheld.

The world of politics may, therefore, not be for you.

Or consider the value of compassion.

If you believe in the importance of empathy and kindness, you'll likely feel called to support and uplift those in need.

You'll seek out opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others, whether through volunteer work, activism, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in need.

Similarly, the value of growth and learning can shape your personal and professional development approach.

If you're passionate about expanding your knowledge and skill set, you'll likely seek opportunities to take you outside your comfort zone, challenge you, and help you grow.

And let's not forget about the value of authenticity.

If you believe in the importance of being true to yourself and living in alignment with your values, you'll likely prioritise authenticity in your relationships and endeavours.

You'll strive to be genuine and transparent in your interactions with others and seek out environments where you can be your true, unapologetic self.

The above are just a few examples of how our values can help us understand who we are and what we stand for.

The final part of Kofi Anan's quote speaks to "why you want to get there".

It's a question that has puzzled humanity for centuries. What drives us? What gives our lives meaning and fulfilment?

Understanding your "why" is essential for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. But it isn't always so easy to figure out. As discussed, our values are valuable guideposts, but how do we go about discovering our why?

One way is to reflect on our profound personal experiences and the moments that have shaped us. What challenges have we overcome, and what lessons have we learned?

Our struggles often reveal insights into our strengths and values and help guide us towards our purpose. As the renowned motivational speaker Simon Sinek aptly puts it, "Your struggles are your strengths."

Another way is through your close connections with others. People who can give you valuable insights into who you are, insights that you cannot easily see for yourself.

We all have blind spots.

Paying attention to the feedback and observations of those closest to us can provide valuable clues about our unique contribution to the world.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, take a moment to reflect on your values and get feedback from those you trust.

Consider what truly matters to you and how to honour those values in your decisions and actions.

Know where you are heading and head there with determination and resolve.

Take time daily to connect with your mind, heart, body and soul.

Until next time, may you live intentionally.

Dion Le Roux