I came across an article in Wired magazine today that said bad driving is a genetic failure.  If you have a history of car accidents, it may not be your fault.  You’ve got some bad genes that cause you to make poor choices!

That made me think about the bad decisions and choices we make in life.  We can blame our parents, our teachers, the people of influence in our life.  We can blame circumstances, life, the weather or our dog, but the bottom line is clear.  We may have no one to blame.  It’s genetic.  A freak of nature threw a spanner into the works, and we just have to deal with it.

But what about the idea that we can learn to make better choices?

Sure, you may have some wacky genes.  I’m predisposed to alcoholism given my father’s penchant for the stimulating stuff.  But does that mean I have no choice but to be an alcoholic?  I don’t think there is a ‘have to’ in the equation.

Although there may be a specific leaning in that direction I have undergone enough self-awareness training to know when I’m getting off the rails, and when I need to take a different path.

So while some of the stuff may seem pre-ordained by nature, I’m not buying it.  I think blaming our genes, our parents, our circumstances is a cop-out for not taking responsibility for your own life.  For making it what you want it to be.  For moving beyond the limitations that society or your own limitations have placed upon you.

We all make choices in life.  Sometimes we make the wrong ones.  Learn from them and move on.  There is so much more we can do to start living our best life now.

I’d love to know what you think about this, so drop me a note.