By Pam Lawhorne
Life has a way of throwing curve balls at you. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something new comes along and knocks you off your feet! They’ll be a time in your life where you have something happen and it seems like the most horrible thing in the world, that is until something new and more devastating comes along and takes it’s place.
Remember the tragic events of September 11th? Not too long ago I was watching a couple of documentaries on what took place and even though it’s been just a little while, it seems as if it happened so very long ago. At the time the attacks took place, people said we will never forget but years later have we really forgotten about it? Even though I was not there or even able to watch it unfold as it played out on television, when I came home that evening and saw all of the devastation that took place it was unbelievable… yet I knew that it had really happened. It is often said that what does not kill you only makes you stronger. You would think that a tragedy of this magnitude would all make us take a serious look at ourselves and make a change to have a better life. The reality is I don’t think that happened for most people.
One of the shows I watched was about a group of 14 people who survived in a stairwell in one of the towers that had crumbled to the ground. One of them, a fireman, mentioned that once the building started to come down around him he thought to himself “he was only 33 years old, was married and had kids but all he could remember was working all the time.” He asked himself “Is this it for me? Is this all I have done with my life? Is there nothing else left for me?”
Well maybe you’re not trapped in a stairwell, perhaps it’s a job you hate or a relationship you don’t want to be in that’s holding you back. There are so many people who wine and complain about their situation. How they are so unhappy and want to make change in their life. Whatever it is that’s preventing you from living your life to the fullest - why are you letting it stop you?
On September 11th, 2001- thousands of people lost their life and were unable to fulfill their dreams. They lost the freedom to make a decision about their destiny. That decision, without their consent, was made on their behalf. The choice to be free and happy lies in your hands. Unlike the victims of 9/11, no one is taking away your right to be happy or succeed in life. That is a choice that has been and will always be up to you. What do you plan to do about it?
Becoming successful in anything, professional or personal requires the same thing - a personal decision to make a change. My motto - “change your attitude - change your life - change the world” is a true testament to what can be done if someone decides to change. Everyone wants to become an “entrepreneur” because to them, entrepreneurship is some right of passage. Something that is given to you not something that is earned. As you are reading this I want you to know that my wish for you is to realize that you still have time, it is not too late and that change can happen only once you take action. Becoming a successful entrepreneur is something that can be achieved by anyone who is willing to make the choice to change. It’s time to make that decision. I hope you make the right one!