"You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside." - Wayne Dyer
We waste so much time and energy on things we can not control. We can not control the economy or the government. We can not control other people's opinions or actions. We allow other people to determine what we will do, how we will act, and who we will become. Sometimes it seems more natural to conform to others vision for us than to create our own.
It is easy to get caught up in the things we can not control and forget about all of the things we can control in our lives. It's time to let go of the things you cannot control and focus on the things you can. When you take control of your life, you empower yourself to become the best version of yourself.
1. Attitude
You control your emotions and attitude. No one can make you feel anything. They can not jump into your body and pull on your emotional strings to make you feel sad, angry, happy, or lonely. Your attitude is 100% up to you. Attitude is a choice you make every minute. You choose to be satisfied, determined, excited, content, sad, let down, or depressed. In every situation, you can choose to have a good attitude or a bad attitude. Your attitude is your platitude! If you decide to have a "bad" day or a "good" day, then you will. This is why your mother always told you to, "Change your attitude."
2. Words
Words are a potent tool. Words can influence others to see your point of view. With words, you can inspire and lead others. They can lift people up or tear them down. Your choice of words can affect the way others think of you. Your words paint a picture of what you are thinking, the kind of person you are, and the values you hold. Choose your words wisely, because once you say them, you can never take them back.
3. Behavior
You can not control how others treat you. But, you can control how you treat them. How others behave is a reflection on them. How you behave is a reflection on you. No matter how someone else chooses to act toward you, you always have control of how you react. Your behavior will shine through as a kind, loving, generous person. Or it can reflect a short-tempered, mean, irritable person. How you choose to behave will have a massive impact on your relationships, both personal and professional. Think before you react.
4. Effort
You control the amount of effort you put into a project. Are you giving 110% percent or 50%? An effort is something needed not only at work but in all aspect of our lives. Relationships with our spouse, children, family, and friends take effort on your part. Learning a new skill or hobby takes effort. Completing any project, whether it is for work or personal takes effort. Being healthy and fit takes effort. Being your best self takes effort. Nothing... absolutely nothing, happens without effort. If you are going to do something, give it 110%. You will be amazed at how giving your best effort in all areas of your life will impact your relationships, career, health, and happiness.
5. Action
If you want to change, more money, a happier marriage, less stress, healthier body, new career, or better relationships, then you MUST take action toward it. You control the actions you take. You control the steps you take toward a better career. You are the only one that takes action to lose weight. You control how much you learn. It is up to you to make time for you and your husband to bond. You chose if you are going to make time to meditate or go to yoga to be less stressed. No one can take actions for you!
Take control of your life.
Stop looking to others to do it for you.
Stop playing the part of the victim.
The more in control you are, the empowered you will become!