11 empowering habits that help you regain control over your life

Life can often feel chaotic.

It has a way of making you feel like you’re constantly swept along by the currents of your obligations, responsibilities, and the expectations of others.

But what if I told you that you have the power to regain control? What if there happens to be a way to rise above the tumultuous tides and steer your life in the direction you want it to go?

Well, I’m here today to tell you that you have the power to regain control. And it all starts by introducing some simple yet powerful habits into your daily routine.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into these empowering habits that can help you regain control over your life.

Who knows? You might just end up feeling like the boss of your own life again!

1) Start your day with a positive affirmation

Let’s be real — we all have those mornings when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

But do you know what successful people do differently? They don’t let their initial mood dictate the rest of their day. Instead, they kick-start their day with a positive affirmation.

Think of it as a mental pep-talk that fires up your self-belief. It can be as simple as saying to yourself, “I am capable,” “I am strong,” or “Today is going to be a great day.” The idea is to prime your mind with positivity and block out any negative self-talk.

This is because starting your day with a positive affirmation doesn’t just set the tone for your day; it also puts you in the driver’s seat of your life. You’re not just reacting to whatever comes your way – you’re starting your day by setting a positive intention.

2) Set clear and attainable goals

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions without really getting anywhere? That’s where setting clear and attainable goals comes in.

Think of it as your personal roadmap. It helps you figure out where you want to go and lays out the steps you need to take to get there. Whether it’s a daily, weekly, or long-term goal, having something to aim for can make a world of difference in how you approach your day.

And here’s the best part: every time you tick off a goal, no matter how small, it gives you a sense of control and accomplishment. You’re not just drifting along; you’re actively making progress in the direction you want.

So, take a moment each day to set some goals. It could be as simple as finishing that book you’ve been reading or as big as starting your own business. What matters is that it’s something YOU want to achieve.

3) Learning to say “No”

Saying “no” can be pretty tough, especially when you’re a people-pleaser like me.

But here’s a little secret I’ve learned: saying “no” to others can often mean saying “yes” to yourself.

I remember this one time when I was overloaded with work, and a friend asked me if I could help him move over the weekend. Now, I love being there for my friends, and my automatic response was almost a “yes”. But I knew that would mean sacrificing my only time to recharge.

So, with a heavy heart, I said “no”.

And guess what? It was okay! My friend understood, and I got the rest I needed to bounce back stronger.

Saying “no” made me realize that it’s not just about disappointing others. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing my needs.

And hey, isn’t that a huge part of regaining control over your life?

4) Exercise regularly

We often associate exercise with physical benefits like losing weight or building muscle. But did you know that regular exercise can also have a profound impact on your mental health and overall life control?

Here’s an interesting fact: According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve memory, help you sleep better, and boost your overall mood.

And when you’re feeling good mentally, it’s much easier to feel in control of your life.

So, if you’ve been putting off that workout, maybe it’s time to lace up those sneakers and get moving.

It doesn’t have to be a strenuous gym workout — even a brisk walk in the park or a quick yoga session at home can do wonders.

5) Practice gratitude

Okay, this one might sound a bit cheesy, but hear me out — practicing gratitude can be a real game-changer when it comes to regaining control over your life.

Think about it! When we’re busy focusing on what’s wrong in our lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control.

But by consciously shifting our focus to what’s going well, we can change our entire perspective.

Take a moment each day to write down or think about three things you’re grateful for. It could be something big like a promotion at work, or something small like your morning coffee.

The scale doesn’t matter – what matters is the shift in focus.

This simple act of acknowledging the good in your life can help you realize that you’re not just at the mercy of life’s ups and downs. You have blessings, you have wins, and you have control over how you choose to see your life.

So, give it a try. Start counting your blessings and watch how it empowers you to take control over your life’s narrative.

6) Seek out learning opportunities

When I was in a job I wasn’t satisfied with, I felt stuck.

But then, I started seeking out learning opportunities outside of my work. I took online courses, read books on topics that intrigued me, and even attended a few workshops.

And you know what? It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

By continuing to learn, not only did I gain new skills and knowledge, but I also regained a sense of control over my career path. Instead of feeling trapped in my job, I felt empowered to explore new directions and opportunities.

This means that no matter where you are in life, there’s always something new to learn. And that knowledge can empower you to take control and steer your life in the direction you want it to go.

7) Embrace your imperfections

Here’s the truth: No one is perfect. We all mess up. We all have things we wish we could change about ourselves.

But chasing perfection is like chasing a mirage – it’s just not real.

Personally, when I finally stopped trying to be perfect and started accepting myself – flaws and all – it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I wasn’t constantly battling myself anymore. I was in control.

So, let’s stop pretending we’ve got it all together all the time. Let’s stop beating ourselves up for not being perfect.

Instead, let’s embrace our imperfections and remember that it’s these very things that make us human, unique, and real.

8) Take time for self-care

Taking time out for self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

Self-care can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or even just spending a few quiet moments alone. The idea is to do something that makes you feel good and helps you recharge.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, take some time out for self-care and watch how it helps you regain control over your life.

9) Celebrate small wins

Celebrating small wins is about acknowledging your progress, no matter how small.

This is something I’ve learned to practice in my own life, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. 

I remember when I first started learning to cook. My initial attempts were… well, let’s just say they were far from perfect.

But instead of getting discouraged, I chose to celebrate every small victory – from not burning the toast to finally making a decent omelet.

By celebrating these small wins, I was able to keep myself motivated and stay in control of my learning process.

And guess what? Today, I’m proud to say that I can whip up a pretty decent meal!

10) Cut yourself some slack

Alright, I’m going to be brutally honest here: you’re going to mess up. You’re going to have bad days.

And that’s okay.

Cutting yourself some slack when things don’t go as planned is a crucial part of regaining control over your life.

We’re often our own harshest critics, beating ourselves up over every little mistake or setback. But all that does is drain our energy and make us feel helpless.

So, next time things go wrong, try treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.

11) Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Here’s another hard truth: you can’t do everything on your own.

And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Asking for help when you need it isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength.

Whether it’s seeking advice from a mentor, delegating tasks at work, or reaching out to a loved one during tough times, asking for help can lighten your load and provide valuable support.

At the end of the day, regaining control of your life doesn’t mean having to handle everything on your own. It’s about knowing when to reach out and lean on others.