The 10 Things in Life That You Control
We humans spend much of our time trying to control every aspect
of our lives. Unfortunately, too often we waste time trying to
control things that are simply beyond our control.
Having an understanding of what things you do control can make
it easier for you to gain control of your life and everything in
it.
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."
Hogwash! 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.
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." Colloquial is very
often correct! 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
decisions we make about our health, such as: diet, exercise,
drugs, sleep, routine physicals, 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).
8. Your fiscal situation.
Having or not having enough money is a factor of what you make
versus what you spend.
9. Your time.
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 you're given each day.
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.