The 5 C’s of Life

1.       Choices:

The mind is exceptionally powerful. It has the capacity to change lives in the most expeditious of ways. Our choices define who we become in life.

Research indicates that an average adult makes approximately 35,000 “remotely conscious” decisions each day. In contrast, young children make only 3,000 daily decisions.

 “There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” -Denis Waitley

• Are you choosing to accept your life; or are you choosing to lead your life? Are you living a life by design; or a life by default?
• Are you changing your life by positively altering your choices; or passively sitting back and allowing someone else the power to control your future?

2.       Challenges:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of  challenge  and controversy.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Challenges are an inherent part of our daily lives. We must always be prepared to deal with obstacles and setbacks. By troubleshooting and solving new challenges, we’re presented with an opportunity of measuring our growth. So long as we’re not overwhelmed by a repeating set of circumstances, we can determine the progress we’ve achieved. Ignored problems will never solve themselves. Rather doing so will increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, perpetuate anxiety, and compromise our overall health. If you remain complacent, you cannot expect positive change to occur within your life. Conversely, a life without challenges represents a life without growth. We can only achieve success when we step outside of our perceived comfort zones.

• When was the last time you tried something for the first time?
• Are you cruising through life on autopilot? Or are you in complete command of your destiny?
• Do you recall the last time you dealt with a significant challenge in life? Are you proud of the way you handled that particular setback?

3.         Consistency:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”– Robert Collier

Consistency is the most important ingredient of life; and the key component in a trusting relationship. People who are consistent with their top priorities in life are more successful, happy, and creative as a result. Personally, when faced with a challenge, I know the solution is to come up with my top 5 priorities and remain laser-focused until I succeed. It’s really just that simple.

My favorite key phrases to hear people say are: “It’s DONE!” “It’s completed.” I also love when individuals are able to positively exclaim: “It’s finally achieved.” The joy of these phrases is indescribable. I analogize them to the acts of writing and publishing your own personal life story. It’s also comparable to the feeling of graduating from your dream university. Perhaps it’s even like finally crossing the finish line of a race you spent years training for. You too have the power of declaring: “YES, I DID IT.” In order to do so, you must stop creating excuses which deprive you of the opportunity of manifesting your dreams. Create a plan, remain consistent and you’ll stay on the path towards fulfilling your wildest expectations without fear of losing direction.

4.         Core Values:

Core values are the fundamental beliefs a person holds true for themselves. When we establish our core values, life’s decisions are made much easier.

"Your core values are the deeply held beliefs that authentically describe your soul." -John Maxwell

I remember the very first time I did the core value exercise. I was given a stack of cards with 42 core values. I was allowed to only select seven. Have you identified your core values? The cards which resonated with me the most and reflect my core values are:

• Faith
• Family
• Passion
• Integrity
• Accomplishment
• Serving Others
• Legacy

I know we all have a different list of core values. However, there’s just one question: do you have your list written down clearly?

• Are you living your dream or dreaming your life?
• How much time do you set aside daily to think and reflect?
• Is your life on autopilot currently or you are in full control of your destiny?
• Do you say “no” more than you say “yes”?

5.         Compassion:

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelou

I love seeing people “pay it forward” by adding value to others’ lives through kindness and acts of service. A well-balanced and successful life must include compassion. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s a joy to do something unexpected for someone? It’s amazing praying for others and providing our blessings – especially to those who may have disappointed or wronged us in the past. It’s as important as it is a priceless experience when we allocate time for others in need. Whether visiting someone at the hospital, providing community service, or meeting with an individual in prison.

• How would you like the world to be made different because of your existence?
• How do you distinguish living a life of success or significance?
• What are you doing today to impact your legacy tomorrow?

Living an intentional and purposeful life requires effort, and making wise choices daily. The first step is to identify and abide by our core values. We must face challenges head-on. We must remain consistent with our top priorities. The culmination of these basic principles is then reflected in how we show compassion towards others – in any given capacity.