The 111 Files: Past does not have to be your future

I am following up on the article I wrote two weeks ago about a young man who was looking for help in making a decision about the direction for his life.

Most people have a sense of what they should be doing, but some choose not to. Some give up because making positive changes is hard work, but for others the obstacle is finding it hard to believe that change is possible. So a word of hope - your past does not have to be your future. Change is possible.

I know some people get a tougher start to life than others, but it is equally true that a lot of what we live with is the result of decisions we make. No matter how bad things are, we always have the power to choose how we are going to respond to whatever comes our way. Once you get your head around that idea you start to see all sorts of possibilities.

Here are a few thoughts on making good decisions.

1. Understand the power of making a decision. One thing leads to another.

When you decide to smoke a cigarette for the first time, that decision will probably lead to you smoking another one. Before long, a habit is formed. But, just as you made a decision to start, you can make a decision to stop. When a mate of mine decided to give up smoking he would stick his head out the window every morning, take a deep breath of fresh air and say out loud, "I am smoke-free and healthy". Reminding yourself about decisions you have made is powerful.

2. When you make a decision, act on it. Unless you act on your decision it is not a decision at all. Just wishful thinking.

3. Tell your best mate about your decision. He or she can help you be accountable.

4. Go with your instincts. This can be tricky at first and you might make a few mistakes. But when learning any skill - from playing the guitar to learning to saw straight - you get better with practice.

5. Learn from your decisions. Ask yourself, what was good about the last decision I made? What was bad about it? What can I learn from it so I can make a better decision next time?

Last word to Henry Ford, "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."

Inspector Bruce Horne is the Rotorua police area commander.