Religious doctrine notwithstanding, heaven and hell are not above and below us. They are both right here on Earth, polarized metaphors for the end result of our accumulated choices and actions.

Heaven or hell. Each of us has the power to change the outcome by the choices we make and the actions we take.

Don’t get me wrong. Some things – lots of things, actually – are out of our control. The luck of the draw and all that.

But there are just as many things within our control.

The irony is, we spend a lot more time whining about what we can’t change than working on what we can.

Why do we do that? Something to think about – I mean for you to think about. I already think about it plenty.

Some people are their own worst enemies, making bad choices that make their own lives a living hell. I think we all fit that description to some extent, from time to time.

In other words, we are all sinners. But, as jazz great Miles Davis once said, “When you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that makes it good or bad.” It’s what you do next that counts.

Good companies conduct a lost business analysis on a periodic basis, especially when they lose a big deal. They spend time understanding what went wrong and what they can do better next time. It’s a solid practice that can uncover and help correct lots of issues. Highly recommended.

We should all do that when we screw up. Take stock, take our lumps and try not to keep doing the same stupid stuff over and over. It’s not a formal process, mind you. Just when things go wrong, look in the mirror and tell yourself the truth. Don’t make excuses or sugarcoat it.

It’s a solid practice that can uncover and help correct lots of issues. Highly recommended.

Choose heaven. See you there.

Image credit micadew / Flickr