No matter how much you succeed in life or who you are, you can still fall prey to temptation, lust, and greed, and have your faith and beliefs shaken — if not completely stirred. But before the final chapter is written, keep in mind that you possess free will and make your own choices. In facing the reflected truth as you gaze in the mirror of self-revelation, you must admit that no one can make you do anything you don’t really wish to do, especially if you have the faith in yourself to persevere, in even the most arduous endeavors you face.

In today’s society, just about anyone can become famous or infamous within the flash of a camera. Then quickly they become our idols and celebrities that embody the perfect lives that you and I can only dream about. Strangely, when one of the elite makes a mistake, a sadistic glee rears up once the disappointment of feeling betrayed passes. Often we suppose that somehow the fall of the mighty in some way lifts us up. Truth be told, it absolutely doesn’t. It simply illustrates that the elevation of our souls is within each of us, and it begins with our decision-making process.

Your choices are inextricably packaged with your beliefs, paradigms, behaviors, and the ability to deal with the consequences of your actions. You have the innate ability to make your own decisions. But with choice, there is a measure of both accountability and responsibility. Too often when we receive an unfavorable result (failure), we tend to mask the result in excuses, rationalizations, or explanations to cast them as the reason for the result. In some cases, such as those reported far too often, a sense of entitlement comes into play. Some people — rightly or wrongly — may feel that, based on their accomplishments, they are entitled to make unwise choices. Ironically, the mediums that elevate performers to celebrity status normally depict a storyline where adversity reveals the building of character. In actuality, adversity doesn’t build character — it reveals it. Life truly imitates art in that respect. Your character isn’t determined by how you conduct yourself when the choices are easy and comfortable, but rather by how you conduct yourself when your life is tough.

While the media may showcase the flawed choices of Tiger Woods and others, instead of passing judgment and ganging up on those that fall due to unwise choices, learn a lesson and apply it to your life. In making those applications, ask yourself, “How do I make choices in my life?”

Five simple steps may assist you in making wiser choices:

1 . Think it out. Ask the right questions. Is this the right thing to do? How will this affect me and/or my family? Why am I doing this?
2 . Deal with the consequences; take ownership.
3 . Accept responsibility for your actions.
4 . Be accountable for your actions.
5 . Be honest with yourself. The more you practice these five steps, the better you become in making rational, intelligent choices that lead you forward — not standing in place, going backwards, or living a life full of regret.

Find W. Granville Brown at www.wgranvillebrown.com