“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.” -George Bernard Shaw

How much of your day do you spend reacting to things that happen? Dealing with difficult people. Putting out fires at work. Complaining about circumstances you can’t control.

You may feel like this is the only option since you have to respond to things that happen in your life. But there is another choice: to shift your focus from who your situation requires you to be to who you want to be. To put just as much energy into creating your circumstances as you do responding to them.

Combative people are everywhere–they allow you to practice staying positive in trying situations. Work stresses happen all the time–they provide opportunities to hone a sense of inner calm amid chaos. There will always be things you can’t control–and yet just as many chances be in control the second you decide to take action.

What possibilities can you create today?