Have you tried any of the online dating sites? When you watch television, you see advertisements for eHarmony.com, Match.com, and many other sites that promise to help you find your ideal mate. Often they provide testimonials from people that have used the site and found a match. The matches are based on profiles built from answers to questions about your preferences. You can use a similar approach to other important decisions where you need to consider what is most compatible for you. When you hear the word "mate", don't just think of a person. One of the definitions of mate is "one of a matched pair". Your socks, gloves, and earrings have mates. Make sure that your chances, choices, and chases are mates for you.
- Chance = Opportunity
- You are presented with opportunities every day. Each encounter and conversation provide chances for you to grow. Find your match by assessing the timing, effort, and benefit associated with the opportunity. Ask yourself the following questions - when do you want to do it, how much time do you want to devote to it, and what end result do you want to achieve.
- Choice = Decision
- It is appropriate that the word choice rhymes with voice. Your decisions speak for you. Consider if the choice matches your needs for the past, present, or future. This is an important distinction. What was required last year may not fit with what is available right now. What is available today may not work with what you will need next month. Your decisions have an impact beyond the immediate moment.
- Chase = Pursuit
- Be an active participant in your story. From the Nike "just do it" campaign to the Verizon "can you hear me now" spots, advertisers are constantly nudging you to make a move toward your goal. The man in the Verizon ad was in pursuit of a good signal and he kept moving until he found it. It's wonderful to pursue excellence, but first you may need to pursue progress. You need to be clear about your purpose, priorities and passion so you can pursue them.