Taking the Wheel: How We Drive Our Lives Beyond External Influences.

We’ve all wrestled with at some point — how external factors, especially those from our past, shape our present and future. I’m going to share a story about a friend, let’s call him Jason, who is middle aged and has ADHD.

This condition has significantly influenced his decision-making and emotional control.

His struggles can be traced back to his teenage years when he was ridiculed for being on medication, which caused him to quit his meds and ruin his mental health progress.

To this day he hasn’t reevaluated himself regardless of knowing that he has mental issues that medication and help with.

We often fall into the trap of blaming our past or others for where we are in life. It’s a narrative I’ve seen in my own life too.

Take my experience with a car purchase, for example. Fresh out of college, I bought a 2008 Mercedes Benz for $11,000, encouraged by my parents.

That car turned out to be a financial nightmare, costing over $8,000 in repairs. Initially, I blamed my folks for this mess. But hey, it was me who made the final call, and this experience taught me a crucial lesson about practicality over luxury in car ownership. Now, I proudly drive a 2014 Ford Fusion, fully paid off.

Here’s another personal revelation: I’ve been labeled as lazy, incompetent, even socially awkward — some even wondered if I had Asperger’s.

Sure, I’m introverted, but that’s different from being socially awkward. I realized that my excessive porn consumption since my teens likely escalated my introversion to social awkwardness, brain fog, and anxiety.

But instead of seeking sympathy, I recognized the need to change my habits, especially quitting pornography, to boost my confidence and improve my social skills.

The point is, our past and other people’s actions influence us, but they don’t define our future.

We’re responsible for how we respond and adapt.

Like Jason, many of us face challenges that aren’t entirely our fault. Yet, it’s up to us to take the reins and steer our lives in the direction we want.

We all have the potential to achieve what we desire, especially when we align our goals with our capabilities.

Remember, it’s not just about what happens to us; it’s about how we respond to what happens. That’s where our true power lies. Let’s take ownership, learn from our experiences, and drive our lives towards the destinations we choose.