The Wellness Post: Choices We Make Today Shape the Life We Build for Tomorrow

Young people are in a unique season of possibility. It is a time when dreams begin to take shape, independence grows, friendships become influential, and important decisions are made about education, careers, relationships, finances, and personal wellbeing.

At this stage, many choices may seem small or insignificant. How we spend our time, who we associate with, how we respond to pressure, how we use our money, and whether we take advantage of opportunities may feel like decisions that only matter today. However, repeated choices create habits, and habits can eventually shape the direction of our lives.

Four points to consider when making a choice

1. Think about the  results of your decisions 

Consider both the immediate and long-term  results of your choices. A choice that feels good today may create difficulties tomorrow, while a difficult choice today may create opportunities for the future.

2. Consider your values

Your values can help guide you when you are faced with difficult decisions. Do not compromise your principles simply because something is popular or because others expect you to do it.

3. Manage the influence of others

Friends, family, social media, and the desire to belong can strongly influence our decisions. Good relationships should encourage you to grow, make responsible decisions, and stay connected to your goals.

4. Think About Your Future

Think about the person you want to become and the life you want to build. Your education, career, finances, relationships, health, and wellbeing are all influenced by the choices you make today.

Choose with intention

Young people do not need to have their entire future figured out. But they can learn to make intentional choices. Before making an important decision, ask yourself:

Is this in line with my values? Will it bring me closer to my goals? Am I choosing this because I truly want it, or because I feel pressured? Will my future self be grateful for this decision? The future is not built all at once. It is built through everyday choices.

You may not be able to control everything that happens in your life, but you can influence its direction through the choices you make today. Choose your friends carefully, use your opportunities wisely, protect your wellbeing, and have the courage to choose what is right for you, even when it is not the easiest choice. 

THE WELLNESS POST

Choices We Make Today Shape the Life We Build for Tomorrow

Every day, we make choices about our time, friends, money, relationships, education, career and wellbeing. Small choices repeated over time become habits, and habits shape our future.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE, ASK YOURSELF:

·      What could happen because of this choice?

·      Does this choice reflect who I am and what I believe in?

·      Am I choosing this because I want to, or because I feel pressured?

·      Will this choice take me closer to the person I want to become?

Pause. Think. Choose.

Make choices today that your future self will be proud of.

With Love.

Christella ISHIMWE

Psychosocial Support Officer

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda