Take Control of Your Life
It took me several years to realize that I am in control of my own life.
One of the things that fed my depression and anxiety was the thought that I am not in control of my life or my choices.
When I say it out loud, it sounds ridiculous, but I bet a lot of us subconsciously think we aren’t in control.
We think “I have to do this” or “I’m expected to do that”, “I can’t do this because of _______ or _______”.
Although we may not be able to control our consequences or all the crap life tends to throw our way, we are indeed in charge of our own life.
It became extra hard for me once I became a mom to see how I had any choice or say in the matter. I felt like I had lost control, until I realized one day that I had only “lost” it because I chose to!
7 Ways to Take Control of Your Life
1. Realizing that you’re in Control
It sounds obvious, but it may not be the more you think about it.
How often do we think “I don’t have a choice”.
Maybe the next time you have that thought ask yourself, “Do I really not have a choice?”
Then weigh your options.
Are you “stuck” at a job that you hate?
Are you in a relationship that is toxic to you?
Do you have dreams you’ve tucked away because you just know it’s not in the cards for you?
Do you feel trapped by a physical or mental disability?
In all these situations, you have a choice.
You have the choice to change careers, be happy, lose the weight, and work towards your dream. Maybe you have to go about solving it a different way, or change the way you look at it.
Even if you’re in a circumstance where there are things that are out of your control like mental illnesses, chronic illnesses, a colicky baby, or a wayward child, you may not be able to control the situation or other people’s actions, but you can change your attitude and improve the situation. That’s a choice.
The second I made the realization that I had choices and decided to be in control of my life, my whole attitude about life changed.
If you are ready to make that change and chase after your dream, I would highly recommend Chase the Lion.
“If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s too small.”
Chase the Lion
Learn More on Amazon
Post: 10 Videos of the best motivational speeches
2. Change
Once you realize you’re in control, take control!
Change the things in your life that you don’t want.
Quit that job.
Start exercising to lose the weight.
Cut those people out of your life that are toxic to you.
Make a plan to start living your dream.
Whatever it is, change it, know that you have a choice.
There is a book that I highly recommend that really drives home my first two points.
This book will totally change how you view life and that you really can make changes in your life, no matter what.
Jon Gordon is known for helping businesses motivate their employees to create success. But this book is for anybody and everybody can benefit from it.
The Energy Bus
Learn More on Amazon
3. Seeking Help
Realize that you don’t have to do it alone.
Find and seek help.
There are so many resources out there for career counseling, mental health assistance, medical help, support groups, subscribe to a blog, and rely on family or friend.
Know that you are not alone, and that there are probably several others in your exact situation. Seek their help.
Don’t play the victim.
Post: 8 Steps to battling Depression
4. Avoid Addiction
Avoid those things that chain you down.
An addiction is anything that keeps you coming back for more and holds you back from reaching your goals and true potential.
These addictions could be as simple as social media, gaming, TV, pornography, alcohol, drugs, soda, or laziness.
I mean, social media isn’t bad. It can actually be a positive thing in our lives, but are you on it for hours a day when you could be working toward a goal.
What can you let go of in your life and replace with things that build you up and progress your life? Don’t let addictive behaviors hold you back.
Post: 20 of the Best Positive and Motivational Quotes
5. Honesty
Learn how to be honest with yourself.
I’m not just saying “don’t lie”. (Although that’s a good thing too).
I mean be honest with who you are. Know your flaws and weaknesses.
The sooner you admit to having them, the sooner you can work on them, and take control of your who you are and your life.
Don’t try to be someone you aren’t.
Be proud of who you are, but know that you can always improve.
Realize that there will always be someone better at everything, and that’s okay.
Rejoice in your triumphs and success as well as in others.
Don’t be selfish.
Learn to take criticism.
Believe in yourself.
It’s okay to admit you don’t know something, and that you have more to learn. Take time to find out who you are and what you want, and be honest in that journey.
6. Be Forgiving
Learn to forgive yourself and others.
Don’t beat yourself up if you fall short, or have a bad day.
Bad days are inevitable and we will fall short sometimes.
Keep the faith and don’t give up. Be forgiving to others.
Don’t carry the burden of hating others or holding a grudge. It only holds you back and brings you down. You don’t need it.
Post: How to have the BEST bad day.Â
7. Relying On Christ
The peace and guidance that Christ can bring is found nowhere else in life.
Make Him a constant in your life.
Pray everyday and ask for peace. Find others to serve in His name. Go to Him as a friend and confidant, and you will find the guidance and peace you seek.
One of the best books about believing all that Christ can do for you is Believing Christ. It’s a good, fast read, and I highly recommend it.
Believing Christ
Learn More on Amazon
Start making changes today. Start making a plan today. Realize that you are in control.
When you reach a difficult situation and you feel stuck and all is lost, just ask yourself, what choice can I make to make this situation better?
What can you change today to be more in control of your own life?
Related: How to Create and Keep a Positive Mindset
Related: How to Maintain Hope and Happiness
Loved this article!!. As a sufferer of anxiety & depression I found this very informative. Thanks very much for writing 🙂
Thank you for saying that and I’m glad you found it useful!
Christ should be number 1 but love this article!
Thanks! I agree, Christ should be number 1 in our lives. The list wasn’t in any particular order. I do like to save the best for last! 🙂
I love this article so much! It’s something I had to read this morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this!
Really felt it hit home on point 4, 5, 6 & 7.
Will share with family and friends
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! This is definitely one of my favorite posts, and I have to refer back to it often and take my own advice.