Change, choice and principles are foundational pillars for building and managing life's journey. Change is a life constant. One thing you can depend on is that things will change. Change is a challenge and blessing wrapped in the same package.

As a blessing, change can motivate and encourage the pursuit of new thoughts and ideas. With this stimulation, energy to pursue difficulties is encouraged, and a desire to achieve is raised to a higher level.

As a challenge, change might be feared and misunderstood. Unsettledness, irritability and even anxiety are common distractions that decrease a willingness to pursue action. Any or all of these factors debilitate efforts to achieve success.

In reality, change is a management tool that is conceived in our thoughts. We become aware something is happening that demands adjustment in current behavior patterns. Thoughts unfold, and understanding the challenge becomes critical.

Sorting fact from fiction, truth from supposition, and what can be done right now enhances understanding and a commitment to proceed. An adjustment plan of action is designed to understand the challenge and ready the process for implementation.

As additional adjustment changes occur, information and understanding continue as long as there is an increase in productivity or positive results. New opportunities are created, and successful products begin to emerge.

Change is experienced as a positive contributor for enhancing productive development. For this process to occur, our thoughts and understanding must first change. Each day presents opportunities for change-related newness.

Choices — positive or negative, productive or unproductive — are contributors to the decision-making process. They are dependent on thoughts laced with fear and division, or bound in achievement and productivity.

Most humans have been gifted with an ability to think and to manage life problems. Sadly, some have left this gift dormant and rely on others to make decisions for them. These are the poorest of the poor, not necessarily monetarily, but in spirit.

Making choices emanates from internal drive formed by dreams, desires, drive and dedication. All of these factors result from a person's thoughts and ability. Thoughts drive choices. Make them worthy of the gifts you posses.

One gift is intelligence. It is acquired through learning. We live in a society that provides opportunities to learn, and to expand our intellectual abilities. Take advantage of all opportunities to learn. Understand, when knowledge is limited, there are choices available to assist eager, willing, open minds desiring to learn.

Learning one new fact starts building a platform on which to build new ideas. This requires curiosity, interest, exploration and a willingness to learn. Clearing barriers that block learning is dependent on the choices you make.

Choice leads to success, which is like a game of hide and seek. Success is hiding, and in order to find it a search must begin. Thoughts begin to organize, and a goal path becomes exciting and invigorating. As closure narrows the search and the object of the search is found, success and rewards emerge.

Inspiration is one of the rewards; accomplishment is another. Both result from sweat and tears, highs and lows, energy and disappointments. Remaining inspired, you become a reason for being. Positive, informed and productive choices light the journey to success.

Lastly, principles are stabilizing forces that guide and perpetuate pride. High achievement is based on pursuit of high expectations. Pursuing a goal takes energy spurred by thoughts and expectations that emanate within you.

Desiring achievement is set in your mind, hopefully with encouragement and support of important others. Highest achievement is dependent on faith and belief in your capabilities. You are the architect, the builder and the marketer of achievement.

The height of the goal, the strength of your trust, and the intensity of your desire. These are your drivers for forward movement, the rewards of achievement, and the successes of your management of change, your positive and directive choices, and the principles you hold in highest esteem.

Be curious, open and receptive to these life-building blocks.