The Choices you Make, Make You
“The right choices are always the hardest to make. But they must be made to live the life you deserve.” – Trent Shelton.
Life can change instantly, especially in extreme situations like a plane crash. We never anticipate such events, but when they happen, we must be ready to act fast. Recognizing what’s happening, evaluating the risks immediately, and making the right choice becomes crucial.
My understanding of this concept began in high school, inspired by our Kiwanis Club sponsor. He was deeply invested in risk assessment, having a background in life insurance, which is all about evaluating and mitigating risks to prepare for unforeseen events. However, I quickly realized that assessing risks is not just for insurance—it’s a skill essential in life. During crises, from accidents to emergencies, we must ask ourselves: “What is the risk if I do this? What’s at stake for others?” A good leader can analyze choices swiftly and decisively, setting a clear path forward and inspiring others to act confidently.
The most resourceful leaders don’t hesitate or waste time assigning blame; they adapt and act using their resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while some felt paralyzed by limited resources, others leveraged tools like Zoom to stay connected and find new ways to work, demonstrating adaptability under pressure. In times of crisis, assessing the situation and making quick, informed choices can transform uncertainty into opportunity.
The US Airways Flight 1549 captain, who safely landed his plane in the Hudson River, demonstrated this perfectly. In a split second, he evaluated the situation and took decisive action, transforming the potential disaster into a remarkable rescue. His choices reshaped his life and the lives of everyone on board, exemplifying that choices truly define our path.
The choices you make make you.
A valuable lesson I learned came from my grandmother, a woman of strength and resilience. She told me,
“If you kicked the person responsible for your choices, you wouldn’t sit for a month.”
Her advice was clear: Take full responsibility for every choice because your choices define who you are and who you will become.
Reflecting on these lessons, I encourage future leaders to recognize the impact of their choices, find and become mentors who provide wisdom, and eventually share that wisdom with others. This helps create a foundation for making sound, resilient choices in uncertain times, creating their own flight plan toward a life of limitless potential.