“Deliberation stops when we trace the cause back to ourselves—the choosing part.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 3
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
Plain Talk
Life’s like fixing a leaky pipe:
- 🚰 The Leak: Your kitchen floods.
- 🔧 The Fix: You can blame old pipes (excuses) or admit you forgot to turn off the sink (your choice).
Everyday Examples
- Health Habits
- Choice: Eating fast food daily → Own it: “I chose fries over salad.”
- Excuse: “Work’s too busy!” → Stop → Buy pre-cut veggies instead.
- Money Troubles
- Choice: Maxing out a credit card → Admit: “I chose that new gadget.”
- Excuse: “The sale tricked me!” → Stop → Use cash next time.
- Family Arguments
- Choice: Yelling at your kid → Say: “I chose anger.”
- Excuse: “They started it!” → Stop → Take a walk to cool off.
Try This Week
- The “No Blame” Challenge
For 3 days, start sentences with “I chose…” instead of “They made me…”- Example: “I chose to skip the gym” (not “My boss overloaded me!”).
- Fix-It Fund
Pick 1 problem you’ve blamed on others. Write down 1 way your choices contributed. - Dinner Table Talk
Ask family: “What’s something you chose today that you’re proud of?”