Defining Moments and Turning points

Most successful people can define the 'turning points' in their lives - single events that eventually shaped their future success.

All of us can probably remember some turning points in our own lives.

It is always difficult to know the most defining moment in one's life, though one can look back and see the different trajectories that extend across the life course. In many instances, a life transition such as getting married, the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one brings out a defining moment.

Life is full of transitions from starting school, graduating school, getting a job and getting retired. Important decisions are made at each of these turning points. The quality of decisions we make can have a profound effect on how we live out our lives.

We do not have to grope in the dark to look for these defining moments and turning points. Life will always throw up unexpected challenges but we can always plan and prepare to face them head on when they occur. We can get a good education, we can be gainfully employed, become a responsible member of the community and live a balanced lifestyle.

By planning to live our best life and setting out achievable goals, we can maximise our chances for success. We can also minimise having to react to external events.