In his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen R Covey states:

‘Proactive people recognize that they are “response-able.” They don’t blame genetics, circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. They know they choose their behavior.’

This means you can choose your behaviours in response to other people and the circumstances you find yourself in. You can choose to what degree you are affected. You can choose to be Unshakeable.

In a work situation, many people believe they are restricted in what they can do. However, no one can ‘make’ you do anything – however there are consequences for their actions.

No one has a remote control they can use to ‘make’ you move your arms and legs. No one can ‘make’ you come to work. It’s your choice. When I state that some people get defensive, ‘But I have to work to pay the mortgage – I have no choice’. Actually, they do have a choice. They can choose not to work, which means not being able to pay the mortgage, which may mean a change in living arrangement –but it is still their choice.

Viktor Frankl, in his famous 1946 book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which sold more than 10 million copies, states:

‘Between the stimulus and the response is your greatest power–you have the freedom to choose your response’.

Use your four personal powers to choose what you believe, say, feel and do at work. They are your beliefs, words, emotions and behaviours at work.