The President's Message 8/28/23

“In our personal lives, if we do not develop our own self-awareness and become responsible for first creations, we empower other people and circumstances to shape our lives by default.” – Stephen Covey

In a world that's constantly bustling with external influences and distractions, it's easy to lose sight of the one person who truly holds the reins to your life's direction: yourself. Stephen Covey’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the significance of self-awareness and the agency we have in crafting the lives we desire.

Self-awareness is not just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of personal development and growth. It involves taking the time to introspect, to understand our values, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. When we are aware of ourselves, we gain the ability to make conscious choices that align with our authentic selves. This self-awareness acts as a guiding light, helping us navigate through the maze of life's decisions.

When we neglect self-awareness, we inadvertently relinquish control of our lives. We become passive participants, allowing external forces to dictate our path.

It's akin to handing over the pen of our life story to others and merely becoming characters in their narratives. By neglecting self-awareness, we grant permission for circumstances, opinions, and societal norms to mold us.

But it doesn't have to be this way. We possess an incredible power—the power to create our own reality. By embracing self-awareness, we take charge of our first creations. These creations are not mere physical entities, but the beliefs we hold, the habits we cultivate, and the goals we set. They lay the foundation upon which the rest of our life is built.

Cultivating self-awareness and taking responsibility for our first creations empower us to be the architects of our lives. It's about setting intentions and charting a course that resonates with our core values. This doesn't mean shutting out external influences; rather, it's about filtering and selecting those influences that align with our authentic selves.

As we become more self-aware, we gain the ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Challenges become opportunities for growth, and setbacks become stepping stones toward our aspirations. By fostering this self-awareness, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire others to do the same.

In conclusion, Stephen Covey's words encapsulate a profound truth: our lives are shaped either by our conscious choices or by default through external influences. The path to empowerment and fulfillment lies in developing our self-awareness and taking responsibility for our first creations. So, let's pick up the pen, embrace our agency, and compose a life story that reflects our true selves.