What's the big picture for your life?

Thought for today


"We need to learn to set our course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship." -- Omar Nelson Bradley

Every day, there are so many details to be managed. So many distractions. So many demands placed upon us. No wonder we end up allowing other people and circumstances to set the agendas for our lives.

It's understandable. Is it acceptable? NO!

Think about it. It's your life! It's all you've got. What are you making of it? What does the big picture look like for you? If your life were captured on film, would you (or anyone else) want to watch it?

If this question pierces your heart and mind, please MAKE THE TIME to reflect on what makes your life meaningful. Dream a little. What would you do if you could do anything at all? Connect with the longings of your heart and resolve to attend to them. Your meaningful dreams are worthy of being brought to life.

And don't sell yourself short! If you can conceive of something, you can achieve it. Call forth the power of your imagination to create a vision of what you most want your life to be. Feel yourself living that life in your imagination. Do something every single day to bring you closer to making your big picture a reality.

When you clearly know what you want from life, you have the foundation for saying "No" to those activities that pull you away from your dreams. Meaningful goals will give you the courage to make empowering decisions. They'll give you the ammunition to resist being swayed by the agendas of others.

You have choice in every moment. Choose what matters for you.

Every day, take just a few moments first thing in the morning to connect with your goals. Every day, as often as you remember, ask yourself, "What's most important for me to be doing right now?" And remember that what's most important is not usually what's most urgent.

So cast yourself as the hero of your own feature film. Make it as big and dramatic and powerful as you like. Wear the hats of producer, director and star. Be creative with this magical opportunity to express the uniqueness of who you are. Then watch yourself grow to fill this big picture of your life!

"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." -- Benjamin E. Mayes

"The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions." - Alan Cohen