Self-Determination

by Stephanie Annis

Las Vegas, NV – June 28, 2023

Looking at my life through the lens of others. Many see me on social media, traveling. The questions I get range from curious to insulting. As a person whose disability is rather well-known the questions about my finances are typically the most offensive. And, those questions go unanswered. I will share that traveling is a privilege earned through self-determination.

We all determine our own realities. I’ve learned and implemented The Secret and it opened up doors and created opportunities. Self-determination is the key to success for anyone willing to accept the responsibility. We determine our own destiny through the daily choices we make. This was the key lesson that changed everything for me. With this one lesson, my world opened up and my limits ceased to exist. 

Choices, we make them every day. But, how often do you stop to think about the power of choice? How much of a difference does it make if you get gas at the convenient corner location or the gas station a bit further down the road? What does it change if you change your attitude? We can increase our productivity by adapting to our most productive hours of the day. We can increase our health by adding 15 minutes of exercise to our daily routine. Every choice matters.

What if the choice made today is a choice between working for employer A or employer B? Would you choose to be an independent contractor or a payroll employee? Would you rather accept the position that pays more and has fewer flexible hours or the position with more benefits and stricter requirements? Choice matters, be it big or small.

Opportunity comes to those who seek it. Many people use the expression “opportunity knocks” and rarely do they realize that they can seek out opportunity. You do not need to wait for the opportunity to knock. Go out there and knock on Opportunity’s door. Speak your opportunity into existence. Tell others you seek it. Speak your future into existence.

It doesn’t matter what you want. The universe, a.k.a. The Secret, is on the tip of your tongue.  Begin to craft the future of your dreams by speaking your dreams into reality. Think of a career path that you would truly enjoy. Begin to create a new self.  Craft your new image in your mind. What will you wear, how will you speak, when you enter a room how does the energy shift to your favor? These are the aspects you need to visualize.

By using the power of the mind, we can accomplish inconceivably immense dreams. The only thing even Jesus couldn’t accomplish is fame in a hometown. You can be famous the world over but at home you’ll always be just another body. Don’t let that get you discouraged. In fact, let it give you the courage to strike out on your own. Leaving home or moving to a new town creates an opportunity to redefine self. Self-determination is a choice.

Grab ahold of your future and take control. Set goals. Implement daily changes. Speak your future into existence. Dreams come true when we actively set out to make it so. You have more power at the tip of your fingers to define your reality than any generation before you. The power of the Internet provides the ability to teach and transform ourselves.

We can look at our lives through the lens of others and we can define how others perceive us. Taking control of the image we share with the world is a powerful experience. Realize you must craft this image with precision. A professional image is well-crafted. Professionals, whatever their field, craft messages about the products they represent. Think about the image you want to craft for those who may seek you out as an expert.

Self-determination is a tool in the toolbox of a happy human. Learning to use the ability of self-determination to direct our actions and outcomes provides a valuable set of coping skills. Coping with the things we cannot control can leave us feeling less. Learning to focus on the positives and learning how-to craft goals that advance us provides a turn-around tool for those times when we cannot control what’s happening around us. When we can’t control what is happening, we can control how we react.

Crafting a life that’s filled with adventure was extremely important to me after surviving a long battle with Crohn’s disease. Turning an epic battle for my life into a positive learning experience made me a great advocate for Cannabis reform. The ability to take the worst things in life and turn them to my advantage is a skill that was developed through self-determination.

Being self-determined means different things to different people. For me, it means that I’ve taken control of my life. My life is no longer a bunch of random occurrences. With self-determination, my life is now a series of outcomes. Outcomes are the results of actions. Actions taken by a self-determined individual result in anticipated outcomes.

Traveling is the privilege of a self-determined woman. It’s a privilege that I’ve given to myself. As a self-determined woman, the goals I set for myself include travel goals. Traveling yearly, monthly, or weekly is limited only by the limits I set for myself. Learning, even with a disability, nobody can set limits on my life except me. The only true limits are in the mind. Write your destiny down, speak your destiny into existence, and set and achieve goals through self-determination. Let not the world limit you, limits are imagined. 

As a self-determined individual, I have come to realize that the power to shape our own destiny lies within us. It is not the circumstances or the opinions of others that determine our path; rather, it is the choices we make and the actions we take that pave the way for our success.

One of the most important aspects of self-determination is the ability to set goals. By setting clear and achievable goals, we give ourselves a sense of direction and purpose. These goals can be big or small, but what matters is that they align with our values and aspirations. Whether it’s starting a new business, pursuing higher education, or improving our physical and mental well-being, setting goals allows us to actively work towards creating the life we desire.

But it’s not enough to just set goals; we must also implement daily changes to turn them into reality. This means taking consistent action, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. It’s about making choices that align with our goals and values, even if they require sacrifices or stepping out of our comfort zones. Every small step we take towards our goals brings us closer to the life we envision.

It’s important to remember that self-determination is not about doing everything on our own. Seeking out and seizing opportunities is a vital part of the journey. Recognizing that we have the power to seek out and create opportunities for ourselves opens up new doors and possibilities. It’s about actively seeking out those chances to grow and learn, rather than waiting for them to come knocking on our door.

In the pursuit of self-determination, it’s crucial to cultivate a positive mindset and visualize our desired future. By visualizing ourselves as the person we want to become, we tap into the power of the mind to manifest our dreams into reality. We imagine the career path we want to take, the relationships we want to build, and the impact we want to have on the world. With a clear vision in mind, we can make choices and take actions that align with that vision, gradually transforming it into our lived reality.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons I have learned on my journey of self-determination is the importance of embracing change and leaving behind the familiar. Stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences allows us to discover new opportunities and redefine ourselves. It is through change and self-discovery that we truly grow and evolve.

But, enough about me. What do you need to know about self-determination and the path to achieving the impossible? Here’s the low-down on what self-determination is and how you can use it. There are so many tools available to the person who chooses knowledge. Seeking out your path and enriching the lives all everyone around you through self-determination.

Self-determination refers to the ability and right of individuals or groups to make choices and decisions about their own lives, without external interference or coercion. It encompasses the freedom to determine one’s own actions, beliefs, values, and goals, and to pursue them in a manner that aligns with one’s personal or collective interests.

At its core, self-determination emphasizes autonomy and the principle that individuals or communities should have the power to shape their own destinies. It recognizes that people have the inherent capacity to govern themselves and should have the freedom to exercise their will and express their unique identities.

Self-determination can be applied at different levels, ranging from individual self-determination to group or collective self-determination. Individual self-determination emphasizes personal autonomy and the right to make choices and decisions that affect one’s own life, such as career choices, personal relationships, and lifestyle preferences.

Group or collective self-determination pertains to the rights of specific communities, ethnic or cultural groups, or nations to determine their own political, social, and economic structures. It recognizes the distinct identities and aspirations of such groups and acknowledges their right to govern themselves, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect their interests.

Self-determination is often seen as a fundamental human right and is enshrined in various international documents and treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is closely associated with concepts like democracy, freedom, and human dignity. However, it’s important to note that self-determination is not an absolute right and may be subject to limitations to ensure the rights and well-being of others and maintain social order.

Self-determination is indeed a powerful concept and often seen as a dream for many individuals. It represents the freedom and ability to shape one’s own destiny, make choices aligned with personal values and goals, and actively work towards creating the life one desires. The pursuit of self-determination involves setting clear and achievable goals, implementing daily changes, seeking out opportunities, cultivating a positive mindset, embracing change, and leaving behind the familiar. By exercising self-determination, individuals can overcome obstacles, transform their lives, and ultimately turn their dreams into reality.

Absolutely! The philosophy of self-determination and goal-oriented metrics can be incorporated by professionals in any field to achieve great things. Here’s how:

1. Clarify your long-term vision: Begin by defining your long-term vision or what you aspire to achieve in your professional journey. This could be advancing in your career, starting your own business, or making a significant impact in your industry. Having a clear vision provides a sense of purpose and direction.

2. Set specific goals: Break down your long-term vision into smaller, actionable goals. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). For example, if your vision is to become a renowned writer, your goals could be to publish a book within two years and have a certain number of articles published in reputable publications within the next six months.

3. Define metrics to measure progress: Determine key metrics that align with your goals. These metrics can be quantifiable measurements, such as revenue targets, client satisfaction ratings, or project completion rates. They act as benchmarks to evaluate your progress and provide feedback on your performance.

4. Create a roadmap: Develop a strategic plan or roadmap that outlines the necessary steps to reach your goals. Break down each goal into smaller tasks or milestones and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. This roadmap will guide your actions and help you stay focused.

5. Monitor and adjust: Regularly monitor the metrics related to your goals. This enables you to track your progress, identify areas that require improvement, and make any necessary adjustments to your strategies. If certain metrics are not being met, analyze the reasons behind it and adapt your approach accordingly.

6. Stay motivated and persistent: Self-determination requires resilience and perseverance. Stay motivated by celebrating small victories along the way and reminding yourself of the long-term vision. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and maintain a positive mindset even in the face of setbacks.

Remember, self-determination is a continuous process. As you achieve your goals, set new ones and update your metrics accordingly. By incorporating this philosophy, professionals can stay focused, measure their progress, and take intentional steps toward achieving great things in their respective fields.

Self-determination is indeed a philosophy that allows us to define our lives and shape our own destinies. It emphasizes the freedom and ability to make choices and decisions that align with our values, goals, and aspirations. By exercising self-determination, we take control of our lives and actively work towards creating the reality we desire.

Here are some ways in which self-determination empowers us to define our lives:

1. Autonomy and Individuality: Self-determination recognizes and values our unique identities and individuality. It allows us to express ourselves authentically, make choices based on our personal preferences, and pursue paths that resonate with our true selves.

2. Setting Goals and Taking Action: Self-determination involves setting clear and achievable goals that are aligned with our values and aspirations. By defining our goals, we give ourselves a sense of direction and purpose. We then take consistent action, making choices and taking steps that bring us closer to realizing those goals.

3. Making Choices: Self-determination emphasizes the power of choice. It encourages us to consider the options available to us and make decisions based on what we truly want and believe is best for ourselves. This includes choices related to our careers, relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being.

4. Embracing Change and Growth: Self-determination often entails embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones. It encourages us to explore new experiences, take risks, and learn from both successes and setbacks. Embracing change allows us to grow, evolve, and expand our horizons.

5. Seeking Opportunities: Self-determination involves actively seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to us, we proactively seek ways to learn, develop new skills, and create positive outcomes. This mindset opens up doors and expands our possibilities.

6. Taking Responsibility: Self-determination also entails taking responsibility for our choices, actions, and outcomes. It means recognizing that we have the power to shape our lives and acknowledging that our decisions have consequences. By taking responsibility, we empower ourselves to make intentional choices and learn from our experiences.

Ultimately, self-determination allows us to define our lives on our own terms. It gives us the freedom to live authentically, pursue our passions, and create the reality we envision. It is a journey of self-discovery, and growth.