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We all have the inherent power to make our own decisions in life. But are you truly harnessing that power? Are you exercising your right to make choices that align with your authentic desires and needs in your life?

It’s time to reflect deeply on whether outside influences are having an unwanted effect on your decision-making process. Are you making choices based on what’s right for you, or are you modifying your decisions to satisfy the expectations of others?

In this article, we’ll explore the freedom to make independent decisions, how to insist on this freedom, and why it’s crucial for your well-being.

Is Someone Affecting Your Choices?

When you make a decision, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

If your thoughts immediately consider how your choice will impact others or what others might think, you’re not truly free to make the best decisions for you. While it’s natural to consider the opinions of those close to you, it’s important to compartmentalize these feelings. You must recognize that, ultimately, your life and your decisions are yours alone.

External influences can start to erode your autonomy. If you constantly prioritize others’ opinions over your needs and desires, you might end up living a life that doesn’t fulfill you and isn’t authentic to you. The key? Acknowledge and exercise your power to decide what’s right for you. It’s your life, and only you should have the final say in how you live it.

Are You Making Decisions Based on Possibility or Desire?

Consider whether your decisions are grounded in what you believe is possible or what you truly desire.

We often restrict our power by focusing on what seems achievable rather than what we genuinely want. While it’s true that some goals may take time and effort to realize, anything is possible with dedication and hard work.

If you base your decisions solely on perceived (or potential) limitations, you’re likely not making the right choices for yourself. Instead, identify your true desires and pursue them with determination. Eliminate distractions and external influences and focus on what you want. This approach ensures that your decisions authentically align with your deepest aspirations.

Discovering Your True Desires

Figuring out what you truly want can be challenging. It requires introspection and self-awareness.

You need to search within yourself to clearly understand the decisions your heart wants to make. You are the only person who can determine your right path, free from unnecessary outside influences.

One effective way to gain clarity is through meditation. Spend time alone, reflecting on what you genuinely want in life. Allow yourself the space to think about your goals and the right decisions for you. You hold the answers within, listen to your inner voice, and base your decisions on what it tells you.

Overcoming External Influences and Self-Imposed Limitations

While we all have the right to make our own decisions, many of us allow this precious component of our personal freedom to be compromised by the opinions of others, our self-imposed limitations, or our fears.

To live a life filled with happiness and success, it’s crucial to make decisions that are right for you, pushing past external opinions and internal doubts.

Consider the following steps to ensure your decisions are authentically yours:

  1. Identify Influences: Recognize who or what is influencing your decisions. Are these influences supportive of your true desires, or are they hindering your expression of your authentic wishes and wants?
  2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with those who might try to sway your decisions. Communicate your intention and your right to make choices based on your own needs and desires.
  3. Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your goals and desires. Journaling can be a powerful tool to explore your thoughts and feelings.
  4. Cultivate Confidence: Build confidence in your ability to make the right decisions for yourself. Trust that you know what’s best for your life.
  5. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who respect your autonomy and support your independent decision-making.

The Importance of Making Independent Decisions

Living a life that aligns with your true desires leads to greater happiness and fulfillment.

Making decisions based on what you genuinely want makes you more likely to achieve success and satisfaction. You’ll put in more effort consistently when what you want to achieve is in authentic alignment with your intentions for your life – especially when you’re clear about what you want to accomplish. Seeing a clear target in from of you makes it easier to focus your efforts and energy. Overcoming unnecessary external influences and self-imposed limitations allows you to create and manifest a life that reflects your authentic self.

The Bottom Line

We all possess the power to make independent decisions, but it’s essential to ensure that these decisions are truly ours.

By recognizing and overcoming unnecessary external influences and self-imposed limitations, you can make choices that align with your true goals and desires. This approach leads to a life of authenticity, happiness, and success. Remember, you have the power to shape your own destiny. Embrace it, and make decisions that are right for you.

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About the Author Dianne M Daniels

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and currently residing in Norwich, Connecticut, Dianne M. Daniels' mission is to empower women 50+ to Amplify their Self-Confidence, Deepen their Self-Knowledge, Inspire Creativity, and Glide into the next phase of their lives with the Power of Journaling, Affirmations, and Assessments.

You can learn how to use these time-tested, proven practices to create and manifest the life you want (and deserve) to live.

Dianne is an ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister with a Master of Divinity degree from Starr King School for the Ministry. She's an avid reader, a lover of old houses (she renovated an 1850s vintage Greek Revival home with her family) and has been journaling since the age of 9.

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