Are You Choosing Your Best?

I was having a conversation with my twenty-one year old son, Kyle, regarding choices. The ones we make, why we make them and how they affect us. 

Kyle, who is a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design, shared an expectation from one of his teachers. At the beginning of the term Kyle’s teacher emphasized the importance of each student submitting the artwork they considered their best. He did not, under any circumstances, want them to submit a piece of artwork for a project that they thought he might like better. 

Kyle’s teacher warned there was a danger in doing that – “what if you hand in the piece of art you think I will like, it is not your best piece and I don’t like it?” 

Kyle has taken these words to heart and they have had a profound affect. Not only does he consider those words when he is handing in his art, it has influenced other decisions in his life. Hearing this from a teacher he respects gave Kyle permission to make what he considered to be necessary changes.

He shut down his Facebook page because he would rather have real conversations with his friends. He got rid of his iPhone because for him it was a distraction and took him away from living in the present moment. He replaced it with an ordinary cell phone that he turns on only when needed. He never liked the idea of being available on demand.

Taking ownership of living by our own standards takes courage when we go against what is popular. Though this is truly the way for each of us to live our best lives: the one that we choose not the one that is imposed. What are you doing to live your best life?

Comment below and share what you do in choosing what is best for you. It may be exactly the inspiration someone else needs to hear.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is a Personal Brand Strategist and President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a facilitator, speaker and executive coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.