8 behaviors that show you’re starting to take control of your life

by Lachlan Brown | February 13, 2024, 1:34 pm

Losing control of your life is never a good thing. But when you finally regain that command, it feels amazing.

So, how do you know if you’re starting to take control of your life?

Well, there are some important behaviors to look out for. These behaviors show that you’re on the right track, taking charge of your own destiny.

Let’s explore them together.

Behavior 1: Setting Boundaries

The first sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start setting boundaries.

And by boundaries, we mean the imaginary lines you draw around yourself to maintain balance and protect your time, energy, and mental space.

Maybe you’re saying “no” to the extra tasks at work when you’re already overwhelmed, or you’re spending less time with people who drain your energy.

You might even be setting aside quiet time for yourself every day, away from the hustle and bustle.

Setting boundaries might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to going along with what everyone else wants.

But remember, it’s your life. And it’s perfectly okay to prioritize your own well-being. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, right?

When you begin setting boundaries, it means you’re learning to respect your own needs and limits.

It’s a clear sign that you’re becoming more in charge of your life, and that’s a big deal!

Behavior 2: Embracing Failure

The second sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start to see failure differently.

This one is close to my heart. Like many of us, I used to fear failure. It made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.

But over time, I realized something important: failure isn’t a full stop; it’s a comma.

When you start embracing failure as part of your journey, you begin to understand its value.

You see, every time we fall, we learn something new about ourselves.

We learn about our strengths and our weaknesses. We find out what works and what doesn’t.

Take it from me: some of my biggest lessons have come from my biggest flops.

But you know what? I wouldn’t change any of it. Because each misstep has led me to where I am today.

So, when you stop fearing failure and start seeing it as a chance to grow, it shows you’re beginning to take control of your life.

It’s all about learning, improving, and marching forward, no matter what comes your way. And trust me, that’s a sign of true strength.

Behavior 3: Living Authentically

Another raw, honest sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start living authentically.

This isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t mean you have to have it all figured out.

In fact, living authentically is often messy and confusing. But that’s where its beauty lies.

Living authentically means showing up as your real self, not the one you think others want to see. It means accepting your flaws, acknowledging your mistakes, and owning your journey, warts and all.

It’s about standing in your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.

This behavior is a tough one to adopt. There’s a lot of pressure in our world to fit in, to conform, to wear a mask.

And sometimes, we’ve been wearing that mask for so long that we forget who we are underneath it.

But here’s the thing: the moment you start to embrace your authentic self, you begin to take real control of your life.

It’s a freeing, empowering, and often scary experience.

It’s a journey full of ups and downs, but ultimately, it leads you to a place of true self-acceptance and control.

And there’s nothing more liberating than that.

Behavior 4: Celebrating Small Wins

The fourth sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start celebrating your small wins.

This behavior is more insightful than it might seem at first glance.

Here’s why: We often have a habit of brushing off our small achievements, waiting for a “big” success to pat ourselves on the back.

But in doing so, we’re missing out on some major joy and motivation!

Celebrating small wins means recognizing every step you take in the right direction, no matter how tiny.

Did you manage to wake up early and squeeze in a quick workout? That’s a win!

Did you finish a book you’ve been meaning to read for months? Another win!

Took a step towards conquering your fear of public speaking? Big win!

When you start acknowledging and celebrating these small victories, you’re doing something incredibly powerful.

You’re reinforcing your self-belief, boosting your confidence, and creating momentum for continued progress.

You’re showing yourself that every effort counts, every step matters.

Behavior 5: Asking for Help

This one might surprise you, but the fifth sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start asking for help.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t taking control all about being independent and doing things on your own?”

Well, yes and no. Let me explain.

It’s true that taking control of your life involves making your own decisions and carving your own path.

But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone.

In fact, realizing that you need others and asking for help is one of the most empowering things you can do.

Why? Because it means you’re acknowledging your limits. You’re understanding that you’re a human being who can’t do everything.

And there’s absolutely no shame in that.

Asking for help shows that you’re confident enough to admit you don’t have all the answers, and you’re open to learning from others.

Whether it’s seeking advice from a mentor, turning to a loved one in times of stress, or delegating tasks at work, asking for help can take many forms.

And each time you do it, you’re taking a step towards greater control of your life.

So yes, it may seem counterintuitive, but asking for help doesn’t make you weak or dependent.

On the contrary, it shows that you’re wise, self-aware, and fully in control.

Remember, even the strongest individuals need a helping hand sometimes. So don’t be afraid to reach out.

Behavior 6: Prioritizing Self-Care

The sixth sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start prioritizing self-care.

This one personally resonates with me because, for a long time, I used to put self-care on the back burner.

I would work relentlessly, push myself too hard, and often forget that I needed to rest and recharge too.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and pampering yourself (although those can be nice!).

It’s about caring for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

It’s about recognizing when you need a break, when you need to refuel your energy, or when you need to simply sit back and do nothing.

When I started making self-care a priority, my life took a turn for the better.

I found that I was more focused, more productive, and, most importantly, happier.

I was better equipped to handle stress, and I felt more in control of my life.

So if you’re beginning to make time for self-care, whether it’s regular exercise, healthy eating, or setting aside quiet moments for meditation, you’re on the path to taking control of your life.

Behavior 7: Accepting Imperfection

This one’s a hard truth, but an important one: the seventh sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start accepting imperfection – both in yourself and in life.

Let’s be honest, we live in a world that’s obsessed with perfection.

We’re constantly bombarded with images of ideal bodies, ideal lifestyles, ideal careers.

And it can be so easy to fall into the trap of striving for that same perfection.

But here’s the raw, honest truth: perfection is a myth. There’s no such thing as a perfect body, a perfect life, or a perfect you.

We all have flaws, make mistakes, and face challenges. That’s what makes us human.

When you start accepting that you’re imperfectly perfect, and that life is beautifully flawed, you begin to liberate yourself from unnecessary pressures and expectations.

You start embracing who you are, as you are, and that is a powerful step towards taking control of your life.

So don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned or when you see your flaws.

Remember, it’s in our imperfections that we find our unique beauty and strength.

And accepting that is not just brave, it’s the ultimate form of taking control.

Behavior 8: Setting and Pursuing Meaningful Goals

The eighth and final sign that you’re taking control of your life is when you start setting and pursuing meaningful goals.

This behavior is all about having a clear sense of direction and purpose in your life.

Setting goals gives you something to strive for, a destination to work towards.

But it’s not just about any goals; it’s about meaningful goals that align with your values and passions.

These goals should ignite a fire within you, pushing you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow.

When you actively pursue meaningful goals, you take charge of your life’s trajectory.

You no longer drift aimlessly, but rather, you become the captain of your own ship.

You make intentional choices and take deliberate actions to move closer to your dreams.

Remember, meaningful goals are personal to you.

They might be related to your career, relationships, personal growth, or any other area of life that holds significance for you.

The key is to set goals that truly matter to you, not what others expect of you.

By setting and pursuing these meaningful goals, you demonstrate that you have a vision for your life and the determination to bring it to fruition.

It’s an empowering behavior that shows you’re actively shaping your future and taking control of your destiny.

So, dream big, set those meaningful goals, and fearlessly pursue them.

You have the power to turn them into reality and create a life that is uniquely yours.

In Conclusion 

And there you have it, the eight behaviors that show you’re starting to take control of your life.

Each of these behaviors represents a step towards a more empowered and self-directed existence.

Embrace them, nurture them, and watch as you steadily gain control, confidence, and fulfillment in your journey.

 

Was this response better or worse?
Better
Worse
Same

 

 

 

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *