Have you ever talked to a person who firmly and adamantly believed that their future was already written and set in stone? That they had an appointed path in life that they would take, regardless of any action on their part? While some people really do believe in this nonsense, it is honestly nothing more than a cop out. It is simply a way to justify the things in their life that do not go according to plan and attempt to remove themselves… and their decisions… from the equation of life, so to speak.

While we cannot control everything that comes across the path of our life or expect to bypass every hurdle that holds us back from success, we can choose how to respond to each of these obstacles. This is because, in reality, everyone is the architect of their own destiny. But what does this mean, exactly? Well, it really is quite simple. An architect is a person who takes a vision or a thought and turns it into a reality.

Take a building project, for example. The first thing that happens in the process is for someone to have a dream, an idea, or at least a mental picture of what is going to be built. This is something that is usually easy to do, for nearly anyone. It simply requires that a person look at their future and envision what they would like to have it look like. Children do this when they talk about being a basketball player or a ballerina when they grow up. Adults do this when they daydream of career aspirations, growing old with a lover, or even planning for retirement. No matter who you are talking about, or what point in life that person is at, creating a dream for the future is something that can be done.

The next step is when things get a little harder. This is the stage when the dream or vision has to be designed into a plan. An architect’s job, then, is to literally bring into creation the mental picture. While this may not seem that complicated in theory, it really requires a great deal of work. As anyone in construction will tell you, designing a plan is one of the hardest parts of the entire process. Why? Mainly, because the architect has to find a way for the dream to be accomplished, despite all the reality factors that are in play. This could be structural requirements, building codes, height restrictions, material costs, etc. when talking about a physical building. It is exactly the same thing in life. In order for the dream to ever materialize, there has to be an architect actively working to overcome each obstacle or setback to see the vision through.

While this may seem like a huge responsibility… and it surely is…it is also a fabulous opportunity! Knowing that you hold the power to change your future into anything that you dream it to be opens up the world for each and every person like nothing else can. So why do so many still cling to the belief that some higher power or universe is orchestrating everything for them? Why do people not embrace the chance to live their dreams and be all that they want in their life? Simply put, it is a lot of hard work.

But instead of backing down from the challenge and sitting idly by, leaving your existence and future to chance, why not step up to the plate of life and start swinging? Begin to design a plan that will get you from where you are to where you want to be! Sure, there will likely be some rewrites and revisions done from time to time… you may have to exchange a door for a window because of forces beyond your control… but even with these edits, the dream will still shine if you see it through.

So begin today, by embracing your position in life and by acting like you own your destiny. Because the truth of the matter is…you absolutely do! You… and you alone… are the only architect of your future. So dream big, design well, work hard, overcome all, and be damn proud of the end result.