Choices: The Foundation of Our Future!

There’s an oft-repeated idea: the choices we make today are either for the version of ourselves we are now or the future version we’re striving to become. Temporary feelings shouldn’t dictate life-altering decisions, yet how often do we let fleeting emotions guide us?

As a society, we seem increasingly drawn to immediate comfort rather than investing in long-term rewards. This tendency often stems from our upbringing and the environments we were exposed to as children.

The Ripple Effects of Our Beginnings

Consider someone raised in a broken home. More often than not, their adult life falls into one of two categories. They either work tirelessly to break the cycle, determined to offer the next generation something better, or they unknowingly perpetuate the dysfunction they grew up with.

Then there’s the individual who had a stable, loving upbringing. As an adult, they might strive to recreate the harmony they knew or, alternatively, find themselves partnered with someone carrying unresolved baggage. Regardless, their foundation gives them a clear understanding of what a fulfilling life should feel like, even if they struggle to achieve it.

In both scenarios, one truth remains: our choices shape our outcomes.

Convenience vs. Commitment

Many of our decisions are born out of convenience. Take this common exchange:

‘Oh my goodness, you look amazing! What’s your secret?’‘Ah, thanks! I run every other day, eat healthier, and focus on a balanced lifestyle.’‘Good for you. I wish I could do that, but I just can’t stick to it.’

Here, Person A has chosen a healthier lifestyle, prioritising long-term benefits over immediate gratification, despite the effort it requires. Person B, on the other hand, has decided it isn’t a priority, possibly because the effort feels insurmountable or doesn’t align with their vision of the future.

The reality is, ingrained habits are hard to break. True change demands discipline, a deep desire, and a willingness to sacrifice comfort. The question is: do you want to break those habits, or are you content to simply exist until your time on this earth is up?

The System We’re Trained to Follow

From a young age, we’re conditioned to follow a rigid formula for success: go to school, pursue higher education, earn a degree, secure a job, and climb the career ladder. For many, this path leads to living pay-check to pay-check, taxed heavily and tethered to a system that favours the few.

Why? Because the harder you work, the more the system leans on you. The belief that true freedom and success are attainable often feels like a distant dream, reserved for “someone else.”

I’ll admit, I used to criticise Gen Z for their perceived lack of work ethic. But in many ways, they’ve seen through the façade. While some may appear entitled, many refuse to sacrifice their well-being just to survive. They’ve recognised the flaws in the system and are choosing a different path—one that prioritises fulfilment over burnout.

Redefining “Living Your Best Life”

As we get older, we often settle into what we’ve been taught to want. For many, this looks like buying a home, taking a couple of holidays a year, and indulging in fast fashion to look good for work or the occasional night out. This is marketed as “living your best life.” But is it? Or is it simply a version of life shaped by a system designed to limit your choices?

To be clear, this isn’t a criticism of those who feel genuinely content. Gratitude for what we have is important, and there’s nothing wrong with finding joy in the life you’ve built. But it’s also worth asking: could there be more? A life that offers not just moments of happiness but sustained freedom and fulfilment?

The Cost of More

Achieving that kind of life requires sacrifice. It means making choices today that might not feel comfortable but pave the way for something greater. It’s about living intentionally, with a focus on the future you’re building, rather than being swayed by the ease of the present.

So, what will you choose? To continue as you are or to strive for something better? After all, the power is in your hands. Your choices today shape your tomorrow.

Written by: Marina Townsend