The Twelfth Doctor of popular UK television show Doctor Who, played by Peter Capaldi, once said “Sometimes the only choices you have are bad ones. But you still have to choose.” This is an incredibly powerful statement, in its truth and in its connotations. There is also great power in the act of choosing.

There have been times in my life, as in every life, when I was faced with exactly this kind of choice. Where, as far as I saw at the time, and with the abilities I had then, I was limited to “bad choices”. Everything seemed to have a negative outcome, so it came down to figuring out which one resulted in the lesser amount.

It was only once I began to be aware of and utilize a certain mindset that I became able to really deal with and accept those situations and their outcomes. That mindset is about the act of choosing. Recognizing that we do always have choices, that they sometimes just suck, and yet still moving forward.

Other options include refusing to choose, playing the victim of circumstance, wallowing in self pity, and blaming others. I've probably defaulted to every one of these options in the past and I do not recommend them. None of them set out a clear or short path out of the negative circumstances because they all involve delay in accepting the truth.

When we look clearly and honestly at all our options, weigh them, then take responsibility for the one we put into action, then we are closer to accepting the consequences. We know we chose the best option, even out of a detrimental selection, and it was our choice to enact it. We weren't forced. The power is 100% with us. The consequences will happen anyway, at least this way we are in charge and have the power.

What choice could you make that would empower you?