How to Finally Take Charge of Your Life

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Everyone wants a better life, but few are willing to take charge and make it happen. It’s the accumulation of fears and a lack of responsibility that are to blame. You can take charge of your life and transform it into something exciting and fulfilling. It’s never too late.

Imagine the gratitude you will feel once you are back in control of your life! It is such a far-fetched idea to think that you can have it all put together the way you want it to be! You are probably already on your way there – if that is the case – be grateful already!

If you feel like you have a long way to do, do not despire. HTere are a few things you can do to take control of your life and put yourself in the driver’s seat:

  1. Take responsibility. The easiest way to deal with life is to accept full responsibility. That doesn’t mean that everything is your fault, but it is your responsibility to deal with your life. Even if your parents abused you, it’s your responsibility to deal with it and move on. Who else is going to do it?
  • Taking responsibility is powerful because you then have the power to change. If it’s someone else’s responsibility, all you can do is wait for someone else to fix it.
  1. Raise your standards. If you’re content with making $50,000 per year, you’ll never have a million-dollar salary. If you’re content with your love handles, you’ll never see your abs. People only improve until they’re content, and then they relax.
  • The willingness to accept your current circumstances is a decision to maintain your current life. Set your standards accordingly.
  1. Avoid being afraid of failure. This is the primary obstacle for most people. They’re afraid of failing. You fail all the time and don’t think anything of it. You’re five minutes late for work. You cook the chicken parmesan five minutes too long. You spill your coffee or misspell a word. For some reason, you don’t take these failures personally.
  • But the prospect of having a script rejected or losing a competition is too much to handle.
  • The more you fail, the more successful you will be, as long as you learn from your failures and try again. If you only do the things you know you can do, you’ll be stuck.
  1. Stop caring what others think. This is the other major obstacle. It seems silly to worry about the opinion of someone you barely know, but it happens all the time. No matter what you do, you’re being judged by others. So let go of it. Half of the world thinks you’re wonderful. The other half doesn’t.

  2. Embrace discomfort. Changing anything in your life feels at least a little uncomfortable. The anxiety you feel is nothing more than a feeling in your body, like a sunburn. You don’t have to allow it to stop you.
  • If you’re uncomfortable, be excited. It means you’re doing something that can make a difference in your life.
  1. Be proactive. Taking control of your life also involves avoiding unnecessary challenges. There’s no better way to do this than being proactive. Look ahead for potential challenges and avoid them. Most negative experiences can be predicted and avoided. Avoid being reactive. By then it’s too late.

  2. Set goals. The reason goals are so important is the decision-making aspect. You have to make decisions to set goals. Setting goals means that you’ve decided on what you want. So, make a few decisions and decide on your goals.

Are finally ready to take charge of your life? Are you tired of pretending that you’re a victim? You can choose the direction of your life. Take responsibility and work through your fears. A little discomfort is a small price to pay for a life that you enjoy.

12 Comments

  1. Ed Miller on January 3, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Great article Paul. I’m especially challenged by your point, “Stop Caring What Others Think.” That’s one of my weaknesses. It holds me back too often. I appreciate the reminder to go boldly forward.

    • Paul on January 4, 2017 at 11:57 pm

      I have to say that sometimes I am able to do that without thinking… and other times… ohhhh it just bothers me! I think it will be a lifelong process for me! Thanks, Ed!

  2. Alana on January 3, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    Embrace discomfort – what good advice. Nothing comes easy – the most worthwhile things to do are those that make you uncomfortable, either physically or mentally.

    • Paul on January 4, 2017 at 11:59 pm

      Learn to be in comfort with the uncomfortable! When you (Me, She, Him… everyone) are feeling uncomfortable, that is a great time to look inwards and try to understand what it is that you are uncomfortable about the situation. Chances are it is something else completely!

  3. Kathleen Gage on January 3, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    Great perspective.

    • Paul on January 27, 2017 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks, Kathleen!

  4. Sarah on January 3, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    Excellent points. I would add that I think a lot of people may be afraid of succeeding. In my own case, I discovered that I was afraid of learning just how powerful I am (still working on it!) because that would mean I would have to admit how much of my life I have ALLOWED to be messed, how much I have ALLOWED others to mistreat. It’s hard to continue to play the victim role when you are are one of the main actors!

    • Paul on January 4, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      Spot on, Sarah! We need to accept that we are 100% responsible to everything that happens ‘to’ us. That includes decisions and actions that we have taken in the past. If you are upset about something in the past, well… it is done! Accept it and move on!

  5. Menaka Bharathi on January 4, 2017 at 12:13 am

    Wonderful post Paul! I for one believe that embracing yourself and not bothering what others think of you is an important step to move forward. Gratitude pays all.

    • Paul on January 4, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      As the saying goes, Menaka, You cannot please everyone! Trying to concern yourself with what others think is an effort in futility! Stay true to your own course!

  6. SHALINI BAISIWALA on January 4, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Now these are the goals I need to think about and set and not the new year resolutions! Thanks for such a wonderful article- inspiring me to change a few things about myself

    • Paul on January 4, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Glad it helps you gain some clarity, Shalini!

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