Take Control

“I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.” ~ Jimmy Cliff

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ~ Eleanore Roosevelt

“Dreamers don’t have special genes.  They find circumstances that amplify their dreams.” ~ Seth Godin

“You cannot conceive the many without the one.” ~ Plato

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” ~ Plato

“The universal truth is beyond question – the only people who excel are those who have decided to do so.” ~ Seth Godin

“If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page.” ~ Mark Houlahan

“When I choose to smile I become the master of my emotions.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“If, in fact, it is what’s inside us that makes all the difference, then the difference is made when we choose what goes inside.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“Consciousness is everything and that all things begin with a thought. That we are responsible for our own fate, we reap what we sow, we get what we give, we pull in what we put out. I know these things for sure.” ~ Madonna

“It is never the duty of a leader to struggle for someone else;  a leader must encourage others to struggle and assure them that the struggles are worthwhile.  Do battle with the challenges of your present, and you will unlock the prizes of your future.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past.  I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing.  Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or other employees for my present situation.  Neither my eduation nor lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way.  If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past.  I will look forward.  I will not let my history control my destiny.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ~ Steve Jobs

“The words It’s not my fault! should never again come from your mouth.  The words It’s not my fault! have been symbolically written on the gravestones of unsuccessful people ever since Eve took her first bite of the apple.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“Outside influences are not responsible for where you are mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially.  You have chosen the pathway to your present destination.  The responsibility for your situation is yours.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“We are all in situations of our own choosing.  Our thinking creates a pathway to success or failure.  By disclaiming responsibility for our present, we crush the prospect of an incredible future that might have been ours.” ~ Andy Andrews (The Traveler’s Gift)

“Regardless of what is going on around you, make the best of what is in your power, and take the rest as it occurs.” ~ Epictetus

“When you actively engage in gradually refining yourself, you retreat from your lazy ways of covering yourself or making excuses.  Instead of feeling a persistent current of low-level shame, you move forward by using the creative possibilities of this moment, your current situation.” ~ Epictetus

“You only have the rights you fight for.” ~ Timothy Ferriss