26. The Power in Me

I have heard time and again in my years of dealing with young people that “I didn’t want to do it; they made me do it.”

How powerless are we that we allow someone to dictate what action we will take to solve a problem, of how we will react to a problem, or what method we will use to reach a goal?

We react in different ways, some negative, some positive. Usually a negative response is the first reaction because we feel threatened, unprotected, overpowered or weak. We want to prove that we aren’t any of those things, yet in the action of proving ourselves, we could be destroyed. We lose sight of our vision, lose control of ourselves, in wanting to hurt and gain control of others.

No one can “make” us do anything we do not wish to do. In many cases, others simply give us the “excuse” we needed so we could do that wrong act anyway, since we knew all along it wasn’t right.

Sometimes we go through our entire life time waiting to “get even” with someone. The mere act of getting even makes you the loser. It puts you on the same low level as the person who originally “did you wrong.” Holding grudges only makes you feel worse about yourself.

Some people need to be motivated in whatever they are doing. A little encouragement and they will do the wrong thing. Likewise, they need to be pushed into a positive direction, like getting the job done. If a person is self-motivated, he is usually in control of the situation.

The person who motivates others can be in a dangerous position. He will get blamed for all that goes wrong, and rarely credited for success. Those who are being motivated rarely want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Why is it that you do certain things I ask and not others? The answer is simple. You only do that which you wish to do. You don’t ever do what you don’t really want to do, unless it means saving your life; and some people would rather die than be made to do anything.

Eventually the choice must be made – submit yourself to authorities and rules or remain miserable and fight for what you want, even when you know it’s not in your best interest. That stubborn nature will lead to nowhere. To survive and become successful, you must learn to react totally differently than before.

The talents you and I have an the careers we choose requires us to make decisions about how we will use our talents and how we will help others. I have to realize that God gave me the power to choose and to act upon my decision in a positive way.

Sometimes I choose the right way, and then react in a negative manner concerning the decision. I must be willing to pay the price for wherever I choose to go an how high I choose to climb.

The power in me will take me to great heights. I must first realize that I have more problems than the average person my age due to decisions I made in the past. I am now paying the price for those decisions.

I will correct myself, renew my strength and redirect my energy. I will take the responsibility to be somebody, with hopes, dreams and ideals. I will do this not only for myself, but for others whom I can help.

I must realize that not everyone will love me or respect me. Not everyone will forgive me, pray for me and support me. Not everyone will encourage me or need me. When I accept this fact, I am starting on the road to success.

I must take special care to watch out for the enemies of my new life. There will be pressures, including the pressures of success, competition and loneliness. This could lead to drinking, smoking, drugs, affairs and false pride.

I know that to win the battle, I will need to make and keep a commitment to my dreams and goals. I will need to take responsibility for my own actions. I will use the power within me, and I will succeed.