Something that is a constant source of inspiration for me, particularly in difficult (or high stress) situations, is the knowledge that I have the ability to make choices.

Everyday I wake up, and one of the first things I think about is what I’m going to do that day. Will I work hard? Will I exercise? Will I eat the right foods? Will I read? Will I write?

It’s so easy to not do any of those things. It’s incredibly easy to sit on the couch, surf Reddit all day, and eat potato chips–and it’s even easier to skip the gym, leave the book on the bookshelf, and hide under the covers.

Every single day you have the ability (at any time) to decide what you’re going to do. What you’re doing right now is already in the past. It doesn’t matter if you’re currently slacking off on your diet, work, whatever–you have the ability to stop what you’re doing, and make another choice.

The beautiful thing about choices is that each choice you make moves you in a new direction. What if you decided (right now) that you wanted to be the best bodybuilder in the world? You could go lift some weights, get a gym membership, read the necessary books, eat the necessary foods, train the necessary ways–and, if you’re persistent enough, you will do it.

Limitations are all imagined. If you make the choices you want to make, and consistently move forward to your goals–you will reach the outcome you’re looking for.

Don’t let external factors hold you back. If you want to do something, make the choice to do it.