Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Take charge of your destiny and feel empowered to achieve your dreams. As the captain of your ship, you steer the direction of your journey. Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome any obstacles in your path. With determination and perseverance, you can accomplish amazing things.
Life moves fast, so start each morning with intention and purpose. Reflect on your goals and priorities to stay focused on what really matters to you. Let your passions and values guide you. Do not let self-doubt hold you back from pursuing new opportunities. Have the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Surround yourself with a strong support system of people who share your vision and want the best for you. Their encouragement can help motivate you to keep working toward your goals. Learn from your mistakes and failures, then move forward confidently. You have everything within you already to feel empowered and in charge of your destiny. Take the first step today toward the life you have always imagined. The possibilities are endless!
Table of Contents
How to Identify Whenever You Feel Powerless
When I feel like life is spinning out of my control, I know it’s time to pause and reevaluate. The first step is identifying the moments when I feel powerless. For me, it’s usually when:
I have too many commitments and can’t say “no.”
My schedule fills up so fast that I end up double-booked and overwhelmed. I have to learn to politely decline requests that don’t align with my priorities. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care!
I’m procrastinating on important tasks.
Putting things off only makes the feeling of being out of control worse. I tackle procrastination by breaking big tasks into small steps and starting, even if I don’t feel like it. Getting started is half the battle.
My environment is chaotic and cluttered.
When my space is a mess, my mind feels messy too. I do a quick clean-up and organize my desk and to-do list. Having structure in my surroundings helps me feel more in command of my life.
I’m not taking good care of myself.
Lack of sleep, unhealthy food, and little exercise deplete my energy and willpower. I make self-care a priority by maintaining good sleep hygiene, eating nutritious meals, and squeezing in exercise when I can. When I feel my best physically, I feel most empowered mentally.
The more I practice identifying these triggers, the better I get at stopping feelings of powerlessness in their tracks. And the more in control I feel, the more I’m able to create the life I want. My destiny is mine to shape!
How to Feel in Control of Your Life
Feeling in control of your life is a wonderful and empowering experience. It means that you are confident in your choices, actions, and goals, and that you are not letting external factors or circumstances dictate your happiness. But how can you achieve this state of mind? Here are some tips to help you feel more in control of your life:
1. Define What Feeling “In Control” Means to You
For me, feeling in control means calling the shots in my own life and making choices that align with my values and priorities. It’s about having agency over what happens each day instead of feeling like a victim of circumstance.
The first step is defining what really matters to you: your mission, vision, and goals. Once you have clarity on your purpose and direction, you can make intentional decisions that move you closer to where you want to be. Every small choice becomes an opportunity to exercise your power and independence.
I start each morning by reviewing my goals and priorities to set the right mindset. Then I look at my schedule and to-do list and choose what I will work on that day. I don’t let other people’s priorities dictate how I spend my time. If something urgent comes up, I evaluate whether it aligns with my goals before changing course. I’ve found that the more I practice this, the more empowered I feel.
Speaking up and setting boundaries are also key. Don’t be afraid to say no, delegate when you can, and make your needs known to others. You have every right to stand up for yourself and ask for what you want.
Feeling in control is a journey, not a destination. Stay focused on progress, not perfection. Even small acts of empowerment will strengthen your confidence over time. Choice by choice, day by day, you can build the life you want and become the person you aspire to be. Take charge of your destiny!
Read more
2. Identify areas where you feel a lack of control.
One of the biggest keys to feeling empowered is identifying areas in your life where you feel a lack of control. For me, there were a few major spots that were dragging me down and making me feel helpless.
Work-Life Balance
My work schedule was completely unpredictable and left me feeling like I had no control over my own time. I was always at the beck and call of my boss and clients, leaving little room for the rest of my life. I decided to set clear boundaries and be firm in upholding them. Now I don’t check email once I’m off work, and I don’t take calls or meetings outside of work hours unless necessary. Taking back my evenings and weekends has given me a sense of command over my time again.
Finances
Money (or lack thereof) is a huge source of stress for many people. I didn’t have a budget, wasn’t tracking my spending, and felt like my finances were controlling me rather than the other way around. I started using a budgeting app to allocate my money each month and see exactly where it was going. Making a plan for my income and expenses each month made me feel in the driver’s seat again. Now I’m paying off debt and saving more than ever before.
Health and Fitness
When I felt tired, unmotivated, and out of shape, I felt utterly powerless in this part of my life. I decided to make small changes, like going for walks a few times a week and cooking more meals at home. As I built up my endurance and stamina, my confidence grew too. Now I have the energy and vitality to pursue my goals and dreams. Taking control of my health and fitness has given me an enormous sense of empowerment in all areas of my life.
Identifying these spheres where you feel a lack of command is the first step to gaining power over your destiny. Make a plan, start small, build new habits, and watch your confidence and self-efficacy soar! You’ve got this.
Read more
3. Set achievable goals that align with your values.
Nothing feels better than being in control of your destiny. When I start to feel powerless over life’s circumstances, setting small, achievable goals that align with my values helps me regain my sense of purpose and empowerment.
Define your values.
What really matters to you? For me, things like personal growth, strong relationships, and work-life balance rise to the top of the list. Your values are your compass; they guide you to what’s most important and help you make tough decisions. Get clear on your top 3–5 values and refer to them often.
Set SMART goals.
With your values in mind, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Start small; aim for things you can accomplish in the next week or month to build momentum. For example, if personal growth is a priority, commit to reading one book per month on a topic you want to learn more about. Review your goals often and celebrate milestones along the way.
Course Correct As Needed
Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if needed. Maybe you took on more than you could realistically handle. Or new opportunities have arisen that you want to pursue. The key is progress, not perfection. Revise your goals as required to keep them aligned with your values and within your capacity.
Achieving goals, no matter how small, cultivates a sense of empowerment from the inside out. As you progress, the confidence you gain will spread to other areas of your life. Soon, you’ll be tackling bigger goals and feeling in control of your destiny. Keep your values front and center, start with baby steps, and make changes when needed. Before you know it, you’ll be empowered and unstoppable!
Read more
4. Practice self-care and stress management.
One of the most empowering things you can do is practice self-care. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I make sure to schedule time for myself. Here are a few of my favorite ways to decompress:
Exercise
Going for a walk or jog, doing some yoga, or just getting outside for some fresh air and vitamin D always makes me feel recharged. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood and act as natural stress relievers.
Limit screen time.
Too much screen time, especially before bed, can be mentally taxing. I try to avoid looking at bright screens 1-2 hours before bed to unwind. Reading a book, taking a warm bath, or doing some light stretching are great alternatives.
Connect with others.
Calling a friend or family member for a chat is a great way to gain a new perspective and ease anxiety. Let the people who love and support you know if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Talking to others who care about you can help lift your spirits.
Get enough sleep.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body and mind to rest. Lack of sleep can intensify feelings of being out of control or unable to cope. Establish a calming pre-sleep routine and make your bedroom as dark as possible for the most restorative rest.
Practicing self-care and managing your stress levels are two of the most empowering actions you can take. When I make time for myself, maintain healthy habits, connect with my support network, and get adequate rest, I feel ready to take on the world. Give these strategies a try—you’ll be feeling back in the driver’s seat in no time!
5. Build Confidence Through Small Daily Wins
Building my confidence through small wins each day has been key to feeling empowered. I start each morning by making my bed and successfully completing one small task to begin my day on the right foot.
Celebrate mini-milestones.
As I go about my day, I look for other little victories to celebrate along the way. Did I make it to the gym after work when I felt tired? That’s a win. Did I choose a healthy salad for lunch instead of fast food? Another win in the books!
Recognizing these minor triumphs helps me gain momentum and motivates me to achieve greater success. I give myself a mental pat on the back for each one. Over time, experiencing these consistent wins, no matter how small they seem, has strengthened my belief in myself and my abilities. My confidence has grown by leaps and bounds, all thanks to the tiny milestones I choose to acknowledge and praise each day.
When you make progress, even in small ways, reward yourself! Buy your favorite coffee, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or simply reflect on your success. Appreciating your efforts and advancements, as minor as they may be, leads to greater self-assurance and determination. Celebrate all wins, big or small—you deserve it!
Building confidence through small victories has been instrumental to me gaining control and empowerment in my own life. Give it a try—start recognizing your daily wins, rewarding yourself for achieving them, and watching your confidence and motivation soar. The tiny triumphs will accumulate quickly, enabling you to believe in yourself and go after your biggest dreams. You’ve got this! Now get out there and start succeeding.
6. Communicate your needs and set boundaries.
Communicating openly about your needs and setting clear boundaries is so empowering! When I started speaking up for myself and not being a people-pleaser, my whole life changed.
Find your voice.
It can be scary at first, but practice makes perfect. Start with small requests to build your confidence, then work your way up to bigger conversations. Think about what you want to say ahead of time. Focus on using “I” statements, like “I feel overwhelmed when you pile more work on me at the last minute.” Be polite yet firm. You’ve got this!
Be transparent
Let people know where you stand so they know what to expect. For example, I tell my friends, “I have to leave by 9 p.m. to get enough sleep for my 7 a.m. workout.” That way, they understand if I head out early. At work, I’m honest and say that I can’t take on any more projects, so my boss doesn’t keep assigning me more. Speak openly and without apology.
Don’t feel guilty.
It’s not selfish to honor your own needs. Make sure to schedule time for yourself to recharge by doing things you enjoy, like reading, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. You deserve it! Learn to say no without regret. Only take on what really matters to you.
Setting boundaries has allowed me to gain control over my schedule and priorities. I feel less stressed and more empowered. Give it a try—have those difficult yet important conversations; be transparent about your limits; and don’t feel bad about putting yourself first. You owe it to yourself to communicate your needs and set those boundaries. Take back your power—you’ve got the keys to your destiny!
Read more
7. Saying No to Things That Don’t Serve You
Saying “no” to things that don’t serve you is one of the most empowering things you can do. It allows you to take back control of your time and mental space, so you can focus on the things that really matter to you.
When you’re asked to take on yet another commitment or responsibility that you don’t have the bandwidth for, don’t be afraid to turn it down. Speaking up for yourself in a respectful way is not selfish; it’s self-care. Learn to recognize the signs that you’re stretched too thin, like increased stress and irritability, a lack of time for relationships and hobbies, or health issues. Make your own needs a priority.
Some tips for practicing the power of “no”:
- Be polite but firm. Say something like, “I appreciate the opportunity, but I regret I have to decline.” You don’t need to justify your answer.
- Suggest an alternative if possible. For example, “I can’t make it to the meeting but will review the notes to stay in the loop.” This shows you value the person and the work.
- Don’t feel guilty. You can’t be everything for everyone all the time. Focus on what’s essential for your own well-being and purpose.
- Create boundaries. Decide what you will and won’t commit to, and communicate that to others. Be consistent with your limits.
- Make self-care a habit. Do small things each day to avoid burnout, like limiting distractions, spending time with loved ones, exercising, and meditating. You’ll have more energy to devote to the important stuff.
Learning to say no when you need to is a skill that will reduce stress and help you feel more in control of your destiny. Put these tips into practice and make empowered choices that align with your priorities. You’ve got this! Focus on what matters to you, and don’t be afraid to speak up.
Read more
8. Let go of perfectionism and the need for approval.
Letting go of perfectionism and the need for approval from others is so freeing! When I stopped worrying about doing everything just right and making everyone happy, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Stop seeking validation.
I used to agonize over every little decision, always wondering what others would think. Now I realize that I can’t control how people view my choices, so I should just focus on what feels right for me. Their approval—or lack thereof—says more about them than it does about me.
Embrace imperfection
Nothing in life is perfect, so why should I hold myself to an impossible standard? I’m learning to accept that it’s okay if I mess up or if things don’t go exactly as planned. Mistakes and flaws are what make us human. As long as I try my best, that’s really all I can ask of myself.
Do it for yourself.
At the end of the day, the only person I need to please is me. I’m the one who has to live with the consequences of my decisions, so I might as well do what feels fulfilling and meaningful for myself. When I act based on my own values and priorities instead of what I think others expect of me, I feel empowered and in control of my destiny.
Letting go of perfectionism and validation-seeking has been tremendously freeing. I feel more at peace and able to enjoy life when I’m not worried about unrealistic standards or what everyone else thinks of me. Give it a try; you have so much wonderfulness within you, just waiting to shine through! Focus on nurturing your spirit, and don’t let self-doubt or the approval of others hold you back from your dreams. You’ve got this!
Read more
9. Focus on what you can control.
Looking at what you can control in life is empowering and helps you feel in the driver’s seat of your destiny. When I find myself worrying about things outside of my influence, I try to shift my mindset to focus on what I can impact.
My attitude and reactions
How I choose to respond to situations is entirely within my control. I can decide to stay positive and solution-focused rather than pessimistic. My attitude and outlook have a huge effect on my happiness and satisfaction in life. Focusing on maintaining an optimistic and open mindset puts me in control of my circumstances.
My choices and decisions
The options I select each day are in my hands. I’m in control of choosing healthy habits over unhealthy ones, kind words over harsh ones, and productive activities over time-wasting ones. Exercising my ability to make good choices, even in small ways, gives me a sense of direction over my path. Each choice I make is a chance to steer my life in the direction I want to go.
My goals and priorities
What I choose to focus my time and energy on is up to me. When I set clear goals and priorities that align with what purposefully spending well-being means to me, I feel empowered and in control of achieving what I want. Reviewing and revising my goals and priorities regularly helps ensure I’m spending my days in a purposeful way. I’m able to shape my life by determining what’s most important and working toward those things.
Focusing on the factors within your sphere of influence, like your attitude, choices, and priorities, helps create an internal sense of control and empowerment. Don’t waste energy on external events outside of your hands; instead, channel it into the things you can shape and direct to feel like the captain of your fate.
Read more
10. Embrace the unknown and practice flexibility.
Embracing the unknown and learning to adapt to change is one of the most empowering skills you can develop. Life throws curveballs at us constantly, so flexibility and an open mind are key.
Go with the flow.
Don’t fight uncertainty; flow with it. Understand that you can’t control everything, so focus on what you can influence and let the rest go. Adapt to changing circumstances instead of rigidly sticking to plans or expectations. The ability to pivot and adjust course will serve you well.
Seek out new experiences.
Do one thing each week that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Try a new hobby or cuisine, or read a book on a topic you know nothing about. Travel when you can; it exposes you to different perspectives and ways of living. Stepping into the unfamiliar helps you build mental flexibility and resilience. You realize you can handle more than you think!
Practice active problem-solving.
When faced with an unexpected challenge or setback, stay solution-focused. Brainstorm options, evaluate the pros and cons, and then pick a path forward. Even if it’s not perfect, doing something is better than being paralyzed by uncertainty. Review what worked and didn’t work to optimize your approach for next time. With regular practice, responding to change becomes second nature.
Learning to thrive with uncertainty and adapt to life’s twists and turns will empower you in amazing ways. You’ll feel more confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way and make the most of each moment. The future may be unwritten, but that just means you get to choose your own adventure! Staying flexible, open-minded, and willing to grow will help ensure it’s a story worth telling.
11. Believe in Your Ability to Shape Your Life and Destiny
You absolutely have the power to shape your destiny. Believe in yourself and your ability to make choices that will lead you to where you want to go in life.
Take action.
Don’t just sit back and let life happen to you. Take the wheel and actively steer yourself in the direction you want to go. Make plans, set goals, and take steps each day to progress. Even small actions can help you feel more in control.
I started my own business a few years ago, which was a huge step in gaining more control over my professional life. It was terrifying at first, but by putting one foot in front of the other, networking, improving my skills, and never giving up, I was able to build something successful. Now I have much more flexibility and freedom. If you have a vision or dream, take that first step to get started. Momentum builds from there!
Believe in your abilities.
You have everything within you already to shape your destiny. Have confidence in yourself and your skills, talents, knowledge, and determination. If there are areas you want to improve, work on developing them. But don’t doubt that you have what it takes to steer your life in the direction you want.
I struggled with self-doubt for a long time. But once I realized that I had accomplished many difficult things through hard work and perseverance, my belief in myself grew. You have a proven track record of success in your life too; look for it and let it empower you. You’ve got this!
Make choices that align with your goals.
Every choice you make, no matter how small, can impact your destiny. Choose paths that lead you closer to where you want to be, and avoid those that don’t. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important and make choices that support that. Stay focused on your priorities and don’t feel swayed by outside influences.
Read more
You hold the keys to your empowerment. Take action, believe in yourself, and make goal-aligned choices. Shape your destiny! The power is within you.
12. Evaluating your progress and adjusting as needed
Evaluating progress and making adjustments as needed is a crucial step in taking control of your life. Tracking progress in a journal or notebook can help you keep track of your goals and monitor your progress toward achieving them. Regularly monitoring your progress will not only allow you to see how far you have come, but it will also give you the information necessary to make any adjustments needed to stay on track.
When evaluating your progress, it’s important to ensure that steady progress is being made towards your goals. If you find that there is no progress being made at all, then it may be time to reassess the plan and make some changes. This could mean adjusting the timeline for achieving certain goals or adjusting the goals themselves if they are no longer realistic or applicable.
It’s also important to consider how much stress and anxiety you are experiencing as you work towards these goals. If stress and anxiety levels become too high, it may be necessary to adjust the plan or set more manageable goals so that they can be reached without causing undue distress.
Read more
Whenever you feel that you have lost control in life, remember
Whenever you feel that you have lost control in life, remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have faced similar challenges and overcome them. You have the power to change your situation and achieve your goals. You just need to believe in yourself and take action. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from pursuing your dreams. You are capable of amazing things if you put your mind to it. You have a unique purpose and a bright future ahead of you. So, don’t give up, keep going, and enjoy the journey!
Whenever life feels out of control, remember these keys to empowerment:
Focus on what you can control.
Don’t waste energy on things you can’t influence. Instead, put your effort into the areas of life you do impact. For me, that means focusing on my thoughts, reactions, and choices. I can choose to start each day with an attitude of gratitude. I can decide how I respond to difficult people or situations. I can make self-care a priority by maintaining a routine of healthy meals, exercise, sleep, and downtime.
Celebrate small wins.
Don’t overlook the little victories and moments of progress. Appreciate when things go your way, even in small doses. Did you make it to the gym after work or check off a few to-dos on your list? Pat yourself Give yourself a pat on the back! String enough of these little wins together, and you’ll start to feel triumphant and in command of your path.
Ask for help when you need it.
No one achieves great things alone. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help, input, or support. Let people who care about you know what you need and how they can assist. Whether it’s helping out with chores, offering encouragement or advice, or just being there to listen, accepting help from others will lighten your load and remind you that you’re not in this alone.
Staying focused on controlling what I can, acknowledging my progress, and allowing others to support me empowers me to navigate life’s ups and downs. When circumstances seem unmanageable, I remember that I always have a choice in how I respond and who I become. And that, my friend, is the key to destiny being fulfilled.
Conclusion
As you can see, taking control of your life and feeling empowered is absolutely within your reach. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine and mindset, you’ll be well on your way to living life on your own terms. So don’t delay—start implementing these strategies today!
Take action, stay focused on your goals, and embrace an optimistic and determined outlook. Before you know it, you’ll be calling the shots and feeling energized by the power you have over your own destiny. The possibilities are endless once you choose to be in the driver’s seat. Now get out there and start living your best life—you’ve got this! The keys to empowerment are in your hands.
References
- Rethinking What Really Matters: The Four Most Important Things in Life By Carl Phillips
- How To Take Back Control And Lead The Life You Want by BetterHelp Editorial Team
- 5 Ways To Get Back On Track When You’ve Lost Your Way
Let’s boost your self-growth with Believe in Mind.
Interested in self-reflection tips, learning hacks, and knowing ways to calm down your mind? We offer you the best content which you have been looking for.