5 Simple Ways to Take Control
Over Your Own Life
Different people try to find purpose in different things. For some, their vocation is the most important aspect of their lives, and it provides them with their purpose for getting up in the morning. For others, their family is the driving force behind their every thought and action.
However, when you are always dependant on something else, or someone else, to regulate the direction you take in life, it can sometimes leave you feeling as though you don’t have any real autonomy over yourself.
Therefore, while it is good to find fulfilment in family, friends and activities, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to find contentment from within. So, if you have been left feeling as though your life is managing you, rather than you managing it, and you are looking to make a change, then here are five examples of simple steps you can take to start claiming more control over your own life.
Live mindfully at home
In order to begin reclaiming more control over your life, it is important to start simple. Too much change too quickly can be both daunting and off-putting.
Often, the best place to start is the home, as after a long day at work or running errands, it is important to be able to come home to a space that is balanced and organised. Simple tasks, such as making sure to do the dishes as soon as you’re finished eating or tidying up the living room at the end of each day, can aid you to start to live more mindfully, and over time this will help to centre you in other areas of your life too.
Consider a less materialistic lifestyle
A lot of people try to find fulfilment in material items, such as by creating a beautiful home filled with expensive objects, or through designer clothes, jewellery and other fashionable articles. While there is nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty in these items, trying to find accomplishment by collecting materialistic objects can only take you so far.
Often, the best way to start taking back more control over your life is to detach yourself from some of the more frivolous and unnecessary items in your life, so that you can focus on making more meaningful connections elsewhere. Therefore, if you are looking to make a significant change, you may consider decluttering your home and creating more of a minimalistic lifestyle.
Once these creature comforts are stripped back, you may find that your attention is much better spent on more important ventures.
Change and acceptance
Often, one of the biggest reasons why people don’t reach the goals that they set, is that they are too focused on wanting to change the things that they can’t control, rather than focusing on fixing the things which are within their power to govern. Therefore, it is important that you learn to accept that there are things you cannot change so that you can start focusing on altering the manageable things that you don’t like about your life.
For example, if you are someone who is not comfortable with your appearance because you’re losing your hair or struggle with acne, then there are things you could consider doing, such as deciding to get cosmetic surgery after looking at before and after hair transplant photos or going to see a dermatologist.
Whatever your personal dilemma, take the steps that are within your power, instead of worrying about the things which aren’t.
Get out of your comfort zone
When people spend a significant amount of time in a comfortable state or familiar environment, it can dissuade them for looking for even bigger and better things out in the world. It is important to remember that there is always room for you to grow and try new things, and the best way to get over this hurdle is to do the things which scare you.
While at first this could be a nerve wracking and anxiety inducing experience, the more time that you spend trying new things and tackling your fears, the more likely you are to overcome them. Instead of letting your fears control you and your life, take a stand and be the one who takes back the reigns.
Reduce distractions and limiting factors
Many people don’t realise just how distracting certain hobbies and interests are, especially when they are widely used in society. Social media, for example, is a huge source of procrastination for many people and contributes to a lot of people not meeting their personal goals and expectations, as they favour the virtual world over getting on with their day to day responsibilities.
If you want to gain more control over your life, you also need to gain control over the vices that may be a cause for distraction. Therefore, try to limit the amount of time that you spend on social media, as well as any other unproductive hobbies you may have so that you can focus your attention on the more important moments in the here and now.