Give Yourself Options

"It’s choice – not chance – that determines your destiny."-Jean Nidetch

Throughout my journey, I have realised that it is not a pleasant experience to feel cornered or trapped by circumstances. Life can sometimes seem like a series of obstacles, but with the right choices and a proactive approach, you can create opportunities and keep yourself from being limited or constrained.

Having options to choose from can be incredibly empowering. It gives you the flexibility to change direction, adapt to new situations, and find solutions when faced with challenges. One of the best ways to achieve this is to become a person of value — someone who brings knowledge, skills, and insights to the table that can benefit themselves, others, and the broader community. You can do this by investing in your education and obtaining relevant certifications that enhance your skills and broaden your horizons.

Becoming a person of value involves acquiring information that can help you and others in meaningful ways. This does not necessarily mean that you must follow a single, traditional path. Formal education, such as a university degree or a specialised course, is undoubtedly one route. However, you can also gain knowledge through self-study, online courses, mentorship, and practical experience. You can build a solid foundation of knowledge that equips you for various situations by constantly learning.

Certifications can be especially helpful. They provide evidence of your skills and knowledge in a particular area and make you more attractive to employers or collaborators. For instance, if you are interested in technology, obtaining certifications in programming languages, cybersecurity, or data analysis can open up a range of job opportunities. Similarly, if you are passionate about healthcare, certifications in areas like public health, medical coding, or health management can enhance your career prospects. The key is to think strategically about where you want to go and then acquire the skills and credentials that will help you get there.

I have often met people who, when making important decisions, limit themselves to a narrow set of options. For example, when considering foreign study opportunities, some applicants fixate on a single research area or a specific university, overlooking other potentially valuable opportunities. This approach can lead to frustration and disappointment if the chosen path does not work out.

Instead, I encourage people to broaden their thinking and list at least three potential options. By doing so, you create a safety net for yourself. If one path does not work out, you have other alternatives to consider. This is not about lowering your standards or settling for less. It is about recognising that life is full of possibilities, and it is wise to explore different avenues rather than putting all your hopes on a single outcome.

Cultivating a flexible mindset is essential in helping you give yourself options. Flexibility means being open to new experiences, willing to learn from mistakes, and ready to adapt to changing circumstances. It involves being able to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. When you have a flexible mindset, you are more likely to see multiple solutions to a problem rather than feeling stuck or helpless.

One way to develop a flexible mindset is to practice self-reflection. Take time to think about your experiences, what you have learned from them, and how you can apply these lessons in the future. Reflecting on your decisions, both good and bad, can help you make better choices moving forward. It can also help you identify areas where you may need to develop new skills or knowledge to keep your options open.

Building relationships is another key strategy for creating options in life. When you connect with others meaningfully, you expand your network and gain access to a wider range of opportunities. For example, having a mentor can provide valuable guidance and open doors to new experiences. Similarly, maintaining good relationships with colleagues, classmates, or industry professionals can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as job offers, collaborations, or invitations to speak at events.

To cultivate meaningful relationships, focus on being genuine, approachable, and willing to help others. Show interest in what others are doing, offer support when you can, and be open to new connections. Remember that relationships are a two-way street; it is not just about what others can do for you, but also what you can bring to the relationship.

From my Christian perspective, I also understand that there will be times when I reach the end of my own abilities and must depend on God for a way out. Life is full of unpredictable challenges and no matter how many options we try to create for ourselves, there will always be situations beyond our control. In these moments, I find comfort and strength in relying on my faith and trusting that God will provide guidance and support.

Instead of waiting until I am in trouble to seek divine help, I believe it is important to rely on God every moment of my life. By doing so, I find that my paths become clearer and I am better able to navigate the twists and turns of life. Faith can provide a sense of direction and peace, even when the way forward seems uncertain.

While it is important to be present and mindful of the moment, it is also essential to plan for the future. Think about where you want to be in the next five, ten, or even twenty years. Consider the skills, experiences, and resources you will need to get there, and start taking steps towards those goals today. Having a plan helps you stay focused and motivated, and it also gives you a sense of purpose and direction.

However, remember that planning does not mean rigidly sticking to one path. It is more about having a general direction while remaining open to adjustments along the way. Your goals may change as you grow and learn more about yourself and the world around you. This is perfectly normal and should be embraced as part of the journey.

Finally, giving yourself options in life is about creating the freedom to make choices that align with your values, interests, and goals. It involves becoming a person of value through education and skill development, keeping your choices open, cultivating a flexible mindset, building meaningful relationships, and trusting in God. By taking these steps, you can avoid feeling trapped or cornered and instead move forward with confidence, knowing that you have multiple paths available to you. Remember, life is full of possibilities, and it is up to you to explore them.

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