10 Things You CAN Control
All of us like and need to feel a sense of control in our lives. Notice, I did not say to be a control freak but we need to have a feeling that we have control over certain things. There are many things that we cannot control despite our efforts. There are a few aspects of life that we truly can control, and it is important to know and remember what those area. When you start to feel out of control, return to the things you can control and that you’re the boss of!
You’re the CEO of these 10 things that you can control. Every item on this list is ultimately up to you to control and only you:
1. What you do. Your actions are yours alone. You choose to make them or not make them and you are responsible for the effects of those actions.
2. What you say. Likewise, the words you speak (or write) are also consciously chosen. Like actions, they have an impact on your life and the lives of those you contact.
3. What you think. Yes, there are some subconscious thoughts that you can’t control. But the things that you really think about, your beliefs, your ideals, etc. are concepts you have chosen to accept and believe in.
4. Your work. Many people like to overlook this one, it being much easier to say “Oh, I’m trapped in my job because I don’t have a degree, experience, etc.” No way! Don’t buy into that thinking. That’s simple a way of denying one’s responsibility in having chosen the job in the first place. It’s your job and you chose it. If
you stay (or go), that’s a choice as well. You are the boss of you.
5. The people you associate with. There’s a famous t-shirt that states: “It’s hard to soar like an eagle
when you’re surrounded by turkeys.” Your friends can either lift you up or bring you down. You make the decision which type of friends you wish to have.
6. Your basic physical health. Much about our health is a factor of genetics, environment, and exposure. Much more of our health is simply a matter of the things we choose: food choices and our daily food intake, excercise, drugs, sleep, routine physicals, your emotional health, check-ups, etc.
7. The environment you live in. Your house, the condition of your home, the town you live in, the amenities available to you are all things you can control, although some to a lesser degree (i.e., you decide to tolerate them or move someplace else). The environment you live in is also the internal environment where you live too. If you feel negative or down, make a u-turn and become involved in thoughts and a mindset of emotional health.
8. Your fiscal situation. Having or not having enough money is a factor of what you make versus
what you spend. Just as the equation of “garbage in/garbage in” or “calories in/calories out” so it applies for what you make versus what you spend. Being fiscally responsible makes you feel very much in control.
9. Your time. Every single one of us gets the same amount of time each day. You choose how to “spend” your time and how much of your time to give to various activities. You’ll never get more time than the 24 hours your given each day. Make your time count and be a reflection of you and not your inability to say “no.”
10. Your legacy. All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone. People won’t remember the make of car you drive, the value of your home but they will remember you as a person, your values, how they felt by having you in their life and how you lived your life. That legacy beats having buildings named after you. Living your best life is the best legacy of all.
Enjoy and make the most of the 10 things you CAN control.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
