As I contemplate life, my own and others, I am profoundly aware that whether we achieve our own special version of greatness or not, is a function of what we do when things are at crisis point in our lives.

Looking back at my own life I see that there were several strategic junctures. What I did at those times dramatically changed my life – the direction it took, what was important to me – in fact everything about who I was and what I did became radically different.

In one instance my life path took a 180-degree turn for the better because of a split second decision, taken under pressure, where I used my heart not my head. That decision put me on the road to unparalleled personal growth as I took up the challenge of being a single mother and career woman. At another time I was pushed out my job and the anguish and soul searching that followed lead me into a totally new and better career – writer and motivational trainer!

It's clear to me looking back that a crisis, whether it be personal or collective, needs to be reconsidered and relabelled in light of it potential to shift one's life to new levels. The discomfort of a crisis is in truth the helping hand which puts a certain area of your life centre stage, bestowing on it the microscopic attention that you might not have given it before. But in naming it a 'crisis', we name it 'bad'.

Achieving maximum mileage and growth from the situation requires us to drop the label 'bad' and call it what it really is - an massive opportunity in disguise. Whilst the process of working through a crisis can hardly be called pleasant, knowing it for what it really is, can help you capitalise on the opportunity and make the process less arduous.

I like to think of these crises as a chance to choose again. In choosing again, we redefine ourselves. Moreover in choosing again we are given the option to take the high road whereas maybe before we took the low road.

For those of you having a rough time at the moment let this notion of choosing anew seep into your bones. Choosing again is a glorious concept, most people would love to go back in time and choose again on certain things. Now's your time! Your crisis is allowing you to do this without the time travel. When it is really tough and you feel like you just can't go on, tap three times on a surface near you and say out loud 'I welcome the opportunity to choose anew. I choose wisely now.'

Creating a positive mental map is important too. Close your eyes and imagine your life path, seeing a long road that represents your past. See that the road has reached a strategic juncture; imagine yourself standing at this moment's crossroad. Allow images of feeling powerful to wash over you. Imagine taking the high road to better possibility and a more fulfilled life.

Could be that you're at one of those life defining moments now, a strategic juncture? So thank life, and as you see the positive possibilities, you will activate positive energies in yourself, allowing yourself the luxury of empowered choice.

© Catherine M Glennie