10 Easy yet Powerful Ways to Take Control of Your Life

This is a new year and a new decade. This is a time of possibility and new hopes. A time to decide what you want to be when this decade comes to a close. They say it takes around 11 months for the cells in your body to completely regenerate. But the only thing that will evolve you into the person you want to be is what you choose to be, what you think about yourself, what you feed your mind and what you say to yourself every day. These key things define how you take control of your life!

We did talk about all the toxic habits that hold you back time and again here. It is critical to give up these toxic habits. If you want to read about these toxic habits, you can find the article here.

Over a course time, we develop a pattern of negative thinking that is fuelled by the frustration of facing challenges regularly and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. And these feelings hinder us from finding solutions and moving forward. That is why letting go of these negative patterns is essential. But in addition to letting go of these negative habits, it is also important to replace them with habits that will make you equipped, harmonious, loving, peaceful and happy.

Imbibing positive habits and ways will allow you to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. So, here I have made a list of 10 super powerful yet simple ways in which you can take complete control of your life.  

Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links to products I truly and honestly recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small percentage which I will use to bring better and more useful content to you all!

1. Focus on Your Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is one of the most impactful things you will do. Self-care is the first step towards self-love and it is one of the most nourishing things you will ever do for yourself. Always remember, you are the only constant in your life and taking care of yourself is the best things you can do. This can greatly influence how you control your life.

I have summed up the 8 reasons why self-care needs to be your priority. You can read the article here.

2. Maintain a Gratitude Journal

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough”.

Aesop

When you take some time to write down or even think about the things that you are grateful for every day, it helps you keep track of things that are going right in your life. So, stop and be thankful for everything from the smallest to the largest things in life.

3. Avoid Making Assumptions

One of our biggest fears as humans in not being liked or accepted as we are. Sometimes, this leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, jump to conclusions that are most likely not true. So, the next time you find yourself worrying that you did something wrong or said something wrong or imagine the worst possible outcome for a situation, stop and ask yourself if there is any proof of what you are thinking. If not, take a deep breath and move on. Assuming the worst is not going to help you.

4. Keep Away from Using Absolutes

Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering. And most of the times, the people around us are truly not bad. But, as humans, we just tend to exaggerate to such an extent that we end up believing things that are not true. So, abstain from speaking in absolutes and take control of your thoughts.

5. Practice Mindfulness

This is one of those things that has truly changed my life! Mindfulness helps you become aware and attuned to what you really and truly desire. Your mind has a way of knitting stories and spiralling in to unhealthy thought patterns. But remember, your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it. This can bring in way more control in your life. Sounds simple, right? All you need is a little bit of practice and you are good to go!

I have talked about ways in which the simple practice of meditation can transform your life. You can find the article here.

6. Kill the “ANTs”

In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary. We are very prone to using these thought patterns regularly. “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” “She commented about the food. I am sure she doesn’t like the way I cook”. These are just some example of ANTs. When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them. Ask yourself, “Is there any truth to the statement I just made, or is it just an assumption?” Trust me, more often than not, it is going to turn out to be just an assumption. And you will realize that you have been beating yourself up over an assumption.

7. Hug it Out!

You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch! Now, in no way am I trying to tell you to be creepy! But, hug your loved ones and you will instantly feel better.

8. Hello, You Social Butterfly

Be more social. Meet up with friends, family, colleagues and talk to them. Have a heart to heart regularly with someone. Cannot meet them in person? Give them a call or do a video call! By increasing your social activity, you decrease loneliness, increase motivation, stimulate your mind, stay connected and overall improve your health and wellbeing. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will make you positive!

9. Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer

In his book The Dalai Lama’s Cat, David Michie says, “The best way to achieve happiness for oneself is to give happiness to others”. Serving others has been linked very deeply to self-fulfilment and satisfaction. Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will feel better about yourself and the world you live in.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts

If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment – go for a walk or sit outside, call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music. Just get yourself a change of pace and scenario and you would successfully interrupt the negative thinking patterns.

These are 10 small yet powerful ways in which you can really and truly take control of your life. You have a very limited amount of time on this planet and it is up to you whether you want to just live it as it comes or take control and make it happen! Which of these 10 ways did really resonate with you and made you feel like you needed it today? Until next time, keep learning, keep growing!