The writer Carlos Castaneda said We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” In business, you have to decide what you will work on, who you will work with. Your choices either make your business stronger or weaker, make you more productive and fulfilled or unproductive and frustrated. It’s vital to embrace the idea that these outcomes are the fruit of your own choices — not random or uncontrollable events or circumstances.

One of the things I like to do each year, toward the end of the year, is make or up-date a list of things and people that are annoying me or sapping my energy, then actively work to rid myself of them during the 12 months ahead. It’s sort of a ‘Hit List’ approach to new years resolutions and goals. I also try to be decisive and ruthless all the time, about getting rid of such things, so I’m working with a short list, year to year. This is just one example of choice.

If there is a person, place or thing in my life, I had to unlock my door and let it enter. It was my choice to do so. Same for you. No client or customer or employee or associate or vendor shows up with a gun or court-order that compels you against your will to let them into your life, nor to remain there. You are king of your kingdom. You get to choose who and what may enter and stay or must go elsewhere.

— Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy is an author, consultant and business coach. Additional information at www.FreeDanKennedyNewsletter.com