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That depends what you mean by "change." If we take the word to mean what it usually means, converting something from one pre-existing state to another, distinct state, this is plainly impossible. The future doesn't *have* a pre-existing state, (by definition!) so there's nothing to change.

But if we ask a slightly different question, not so much how to "change" one's destiny as how to *define* it, how to *influence* it-this is indeed an interesting and important question.

The simple answer is of course to exercise free will. A more complete answer might involve recognizing that human beings are limited in capacity, but also extremely powerful. If you want to live in another country, *really* want it, you could save up, learn the language, pack your things and take a plane. If you want to change your life around completely, that's always an option available to you (however difficult or undesirable it might be for whatever reason). You could write a book, change careers, or turn to a life of crime (not saying you should!), among thousands or millions of other possibilities.

The key to doing any of this is twofold:
1. First, recognize that you are in fact in control. This is not often an easy recognition to make; we are taught systematically that other people and events have control or authority over us-but the fact is, except in the most extreme of circumstances (enslaved, chained in a dungeon), each of us is responsible for her own life.
2. Second, decide what it is you actually want to achieve. If you have no idea what you want your destiny to be, you won't be able to influence it toward anything. Setting goals and rekindling dreams is another necessary but difficult step in this process; the clearer your goals, the more achievable they will be. Of course, not every dream is possible (a quadriplegic is unlikely to make it in pro basketball), but a surprising number (fame, fortune, success, notoriety, happiness) are-but make sure that the goal you set is the one you really want.

Beyond that, it's all a combination of hard work and a little bit of luck.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Julius.
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