Over the course of my life, the lyrics to one of Kenny Rogers’s hit songs, “The Gambler,” often pops into my mind when challenges arise. And, lately, the chorus to that song has played on repeat in my head: “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Walking away isn’t always easy. It’s downright freakin’ hard. But when you do what’s right, it can change your life.
It’s Your Voice that Counts
What do you do when you don’t like where you are in life? We talk about making changes, but we all know that change is hard. It’s easier to stay in our comfort zone, and that’s why it’s hard to create new habits and stick to them. Instant gratification is more pleasurable than holding out for the long-term gain. We tell ourselves to do what’s right, but we suck at the follow-through.
Change is hard for me because everyone has an opinion on what I should and shouldn’t do. Their intentions may be ‘good,’ but they aren’t living my life. When I stopped drinking in 2018 to better my health, people didn’t understand why I would do that when I was only ever a social drinker. But I learned a long time ago that the only voice that counts is your own. Whether you want to lose twenty pounds, get out of a toxic work environment, or commit to putting time in on a passion project…only you can do what’s right for you.
Do What’s Right
Yes, you must do what’s right even when it isn’t easy. Because on the other side of fear is the life you imagine for yourself. Think about the costs of doing nothing and letting the status quo prevail. Despite all the other opinions, all the other expectations, it’s your life. And as Jim Rohn wrote in his book, The Power of Ambition: “You can’t change the seasons or the wind, but you can change your habits. You can change what you have charge over. […] Nobody else can change your life, alter your ambitions, pave a golden road for you—only you can.”1
I’m reminding you today that you are loved, you are worthy, and you matter. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to be—wholly and unapologetically—who you are.
- Rohn, J. (2022). The Power of Ambition: Awakening the Powerful Force Within You, Shippensburg, Nightingale-Conant-Corporation., p. 62. [↩]
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