Doing What's Right...For You

When I work with folks going through difficulties in their careers or trying to achieve balance in their lives; one similar trend I notice amongst the majority of these folks is they tend to do what is best for their family, their friends, their clients, their jobs, their businesses – but they don’t necessarily do what’s right for them. To me, it becomes apparent when they express to me what is missing that they put their own needs second to everything else.
One of my dearest mentors once told me – it’s ok to be selfish, it’s ok to fulfill your own needs as long as you’re growing. Think about it. If you’re not fulfilled or balanced- how are you going to give your all in your endeavors to your family or career? Part of finding your balance and fulfillment is doing what’s right just for you. The catch is (and there’s always a catch) balance and fulfillment is not the same for everyone. For example, recently there has been much talk in my social circles about sky diving and jumping out of planes. Some folks may look at it as a foolish unnecessary risk; while other folks may look at it as an exhilarating challenge. Both views are right in the eyes of the beholder. The trick is for you to realize this. That there will be people to support you, and there will be people to ridicule you but neither should matter once you understand you are not doing this to please or displease anyone. You’re doing it solely for yourself – and that alone requires no reason to anyone else. So go out there, be creative, living in the constant awe of all possibilities. Your balance and fulfillment will come when you start living and doing what’s right just for you.