The power of the human mind can move mountains

Our mind is like a cage; it's not always easy to break free, but it's not impossible.

I've always been on of those individuals who's been shy most of their life. Always waiting last in line, never fronting my opinion and never putting anything on the line. Worst of all, my ego was too inflated to change it, even though I knew deep down it was wrong. It was wrong to cheat myself out of a better life; one that I wanted to live for me, not others.

I have realized very recently that in order to make any substantial and long lasting change in our lives, it must come from a desire within. The desire to change for other people may work for a while, but most people forget about their goals and ambitions in a very short time.

Let's take smoking for example. I can give you numerous examples of people who's been smoking for ages. Holding onto to the habit is of higher priority than quitting. Everybody has their reasons. Maybe they feel they'll fit in, or feel cool. Whatever the reason is, it's greater than the consequences of possibly dyeing. Think about that. Increasing your chances of harmful and possibly fatal diseases is more important than simply quitting, or never having to start smoking in the first place. This is because somewhere inside them they're linked smoking to cool and NOT smoking to un-cool. The ego does not want to let it go. But deep down inside, this indivual knows that quitting would be more beneficial in the long run. It's not hurting them now, right?

Speed up 5-10 years. Let's say this individual has just been told they're been diagnosed with lung cancer. Now what was never urgent before has become substantially clear; they need to quit now. For some people it's too late. And for some people, even this isn't enough proof for them to stop their habits.

So what am I trying to say? I'm sure you've figured out this isn't just about smoking. I'm picking that example because it's extreme and I think it does a great job at painting a very clear picture of just how irrational some of our justifications can be! This could be any habit.

Decisions should never be based around what others think.

There are exclusions to this! Obviously it's better to listen to a boss or a co-worker who's giving you advice on standard operating procedures.

But these are decisions that directly affect your life. The moment we are allowing or willing to sacrifice our health and well-being because we believe it will make someone else happy; it's time to question your belief. Again, in order to make any substantial change in our lives, it's important that change comes from within. People are willing to cheat themselves out of a better life because of their beliefs.

As with the example above, was there ever undeniable fact that they were more cool because they smoked? In most cases some people will say yes. But in all reality, nobody can really know what anyone else is thinking. And if someone elses opinion means more to you than your own life, you had better take a good look at your belief system.

I woke up christmas day of 2008 and it suddenly hit me. "Life is taking charge of my life, instead of me taking charge of my own life." I was watching opportunities and events fly by in my life that always seemed just out of reach. From that morning, every step I have taken forward has been to bring myself closer to by dreams and shape my life into what I want.

The power of the human mind can move mountains.