Illumin Blog

From the goals we set, to the rates we charge, to who we network with, to how much we give away and how we react to challenges or opportunities, our every choice in our business is a reflection of:

• Our internal belief system
• Our self-esteem
• Our expectations in life

The Paradox of Choice

The paradox of choice is that, while you may feel that making a choice is limiting, it is actually quite the opposite. Choosing creates clarity and clearer minds are able to see opportunities where stuck or confused minds do not.

For example, choosing to focus on one business niche instead of taking a shotgun approach to many actually opens up greater networking, marketing, referral and sales opportunities.

Have you ever noticed how, after you made a choice about something, opportunities started to appear? This is not luck, this is the power of choice attracting your future. Choosing sends a signal to the universe that you are focused, open to what's next and willing to step into your future, even if you don't have all the answers. And the universe responds.

Attracted to People Who Chose Even if They Lose

It's human nature for us to gravitate towards people who are decisive and accepting of the outcome of their choices without the need to seek approval or complain when things don't work out as they planned. It's because they know that, in choosing, they have taken the responsibility upon themselves to move forward in their own best interest based on the information they have at hand.

Choosing is a sign of confidence, self-esteem and power. Can you imagine someone like Oprah or Donald Trump delaying a business choice? Of course not! Choice does not mean fearlessness or that you're always right. There may be nervousness when making a choice, but not choosing, not moving forward, not taking that chance is more painful for driven business owners than staying stuck or not taking the risk. Even when "The Donald" was down on his luck many years ago, he chose to risk and act instead of wallow. Game shows and reality TV shows are all about choice and we are impressed even by those who choose, even if they lose, because they had the guts to actually choose.

Choice is the Universe Raising the Bar

Choice is the universe's way of raising the bar, of pushing us further down the path towards manifesting our life's destiny. It is the world's way of testing us, of saying, "You say you want this, but are you strong enough to move towards it? To get out of your comfort zone? To choose it?"

When we continually ignore opportunities--choices--to move towards our destiny, life stops offering them. Choosing to step into those opportunities actually results in more opportunities.

Choices Are Our Internal Belief System at Work  

All choices are a reflection of our internal belief system and all too often we are stuck in old or self-limiting beliefs that impact the quality of choices we make in our life and in our business. These beliefs keep our business small, stuck or limited in its growth potential.

Here are just a few examples of choices we make based on self-limiting internal beliefs:

• Choosing to work with clients who zap your energy.
• Choosing to go after the small fish, not the big fish.
• Choosing to be like someone else instead of owning your own process, style or brand.
• Choosing to surround yourself with colleagues who accept the status quo, who aren't aiming higher.
• Choosing to undercharge for your expertise and services.
• Choosing administrative minutiae over selling, marketing, networking and getting out there.
• Choosing to see "stuck" as a roadblock instead of an "opportunity".
• Choosing to hire employees, consultants or vendors who are not supporting your goals and vision.
• Choosing to let the fear, instead of the opportunity, dictate your decisions.
• Choosing to ignore your gut and intellectualize every decision you make.
• Choosing the need to have all the answers first before launching something new.
• Choosing to do it all yourself and not allowing your mentors, coaches, consultants, employees, colleagues or friends help you succeed.
• Choosing to dress without spark so that you don't get noticed at an event.
• Choosing to not speak out, ask a question or make a comment at meetings or events.
• Choosing to work ad hoc, vs. setting goals in service of your long term vision.
• Choosing to buy cheap or buy to impress.
• Choosing to stay stuck and not hire a consultant, coach or therapist to help get you to the next level.
• Choosing to play weak, ignorant, innocent or poor.

Choice is a Responsibility

Not making a choice is like handing over the reins to someone else. It's abdicating responsibility--your responsibility--to other people, influences or factors present. When we don't choose, we get what we are given and what we deserve.

The choices we make are not always the right choices and often our choices require a leap of faith. But there's one thing for certain when it comes to choosing...by choosing not to choose, you lose.

So, what choices do you need to make today? If you're not sure and need help, give me a call. There's no obligation, only opportunity.

But, hey, this is a choice that's yours to make.