If you’ve developed these 8 traits, you’re more in control of your life than you think

Ever feel like your life is spiraling out of control?

I get it. We’ve all been there.

You’re juggling work, family, friends, and personal growth, all while trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. It’s exhausting.

Sometimes it can feel like you’re just a passenger in your own life, constantly reacting to things rather than controlling them.

But what if I told you that you might have more control than you think?

It’s true.

Many of us underestimate our own abilities to navigate the chaos and manage our lives effectively.

Today, we’re going to discuss eight traits that indicate you’re more in control of your life than you may realize.

Don’t worry, I’m not here to convince you that everything is perfect. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to acknowledge that.

But I am here to show you some signs that you might be overlooking.

Signs that show you’re doing better than you think.

Ready?

Let’s dive in.

1) You’re setting boundaries, and sticking to them

This one was a game changer for me.

I used to be a total people pleaser.

I was always saying yes to things I didn’t want to do, just to avoid conflict or disappointment.

But all it did was leave me feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

Then I learned about the power of setting boundaries.

It wasn’t easy, but I started saying no to things that drained me, and prioritizing what truly matters.

And guess what?

I found that people respected my boundaries when I respected them myself.

If you’re doing this, it’s a clear sign that you’re taking control of your life.

So give yourself some credit.

2) You’re actively pursuing personal growth

I remember the days when personal growth wasn’t a priority.

I was too caught up in the daily grind, always reacting instead of planning and growing.

But then one day, I realized I was stuck in a rut – both personally and professionally.

That’s when I decided to take the reins.

I started reading self-help books, attending seminars, and even sought therapy.

It was hard work, but well worth it.

Now, I’m constantly learning and growing, and it feels amazing.

If you’re on a path of self-improvement too, that’s a huge indication that you’re more in control of your life than you think.

So keep going!

3) You’re embracing change instead of resisting it

Change is inevitable.

In fact, the only thing that’s constant in life is change itself.

Yet, many people resist change due to fear of the unknown.

However, when you start accepting change, you tap into a powerful reality: you have the ability to adapt and grow in any situation.

This acceptance shows a level of control and maturity that many people lack.

Interestingly, neuroscientists have discovered that our brain’s plasticity – its ability to change and adapt – continues well into adulthood.

This means we can literally rewire our brains to better handle change.

So if you’re someone who’s learned to embrace change rather than resist it, you’re definitely more in control of your life than you might give yourself credit for.

4) You’re choosing kindness, even when it’s hard

Sometimes, life can be tough.

It can make us bitter, resentful, and quick to anger.

But choosing kindness in the face of adversity?

Now that’s a real superpower.

We’ve all been hurt by others.

We’ve all faced situations that make us want to lash out or build walls.

It’s easy to let negative emotions dictate our actions.

But choosing kindness, even when it’s hard, shows that you’re not a slave to these emotions.

You’re choosing your response.

And trust me, that choice is a powerful one.

It can change your life and the lives of those around you in ways you might not even realize.

So if you’re someone who consistently chooses kindness, take a moment to recognize just how much control that shows.

You’re steering your life in a direction many people find hard to navigate.

And that’s something truly worthy of respect.

5) You’re making time for things you love

signs youre a creative thinker with an endless supply of ideas If you’ve developed these 8 traits, you’re more in control of your life than you think

I’ll be honest; there was a time when I didn’t prioritize the things I loved doing.

Between work, family commitments, and everything else, it felt like there was no time left for me.

But that changed when I realized that making time for my passions wasn’t a luxury; it was a necessity.

So, I started carving out time for vlogging, a passion I’d wanted to pursue for years but never found the time for.

It was challenging initially, trying to balance everything.

But soon, I discovered that the more I invested in myself, the more control I felt over my life.

Now, vlogging isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s my creative outlet.

A place where I’m in control, where I can express myself freely.

If you’re making time for what you love, you’re taking control of your happiness.

Remember, life isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving.

And thriving means making room for passion and joy.

So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing better than you might think.

6) You’re taking care of your health

Health isn’t just about the physical, it’s mental and emotional too.

I’ve learned this the hard way when I fell into a spiral of stress and neglect.

It took me time to realize that taking control of my life meant taking control of my health.

So, if you’re eating right, exercising regularly, and making time for self-care, you’re definitely in control more than you think.

Whether it’s yoga in the morning, a healthy cooking class, or just a quiet moment with a good book, maintaining your health is a sure sign of self-control.

7) You’re creating your own opportunities

Once upon a time, I used to wait for opportunities to come my way.

But then I realized, why wait when I can create them myself?

If you’re actively seeking out new opportunities and not just waiting for them to fall into your lap, that’s a good sign you’re in control.

You’re not just reacting to life; you’re shaping it.

8) You’re embracing uncertainty

Did you know that humans are hardwired to fear uncertainty?

It’s true.

Our brains perceive uncertainty as a threat, triggering our fight or flight response.

Overcoming this fear isn’t easy.

But if you’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and turn it into an opportunity for growth, you’re definitely more in control than you think.

Remember, having control over your life doesn’t mean having all the answers.

It means having the courage to venture into the unknown and trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

Final thoughts

So there you have it.

Eight signs that you’re more in control of your life than you think.

When we speak of taking control, it’s not about dominating every aspect of life or never facing challenges.

Instead, it’s about developing the resilience to navigate difficulties, adapt to changes, and keep moving forward.

As Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

This quote encapsulates the essence of personal control. It’s about making choices that align with your values and goals.

If you recognize these traits in yourself, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.

And if you don’t see them yet, don’t worry.

With a bit of effort and persistence, you’ll get there.

After all, life is a journey, not a destination.

Picture of Nguyet Yen Tran

Nguyet Yen Tran

Yen is a freelance writer and a researcher specializing in mental health, self-awareness, and psychology. Her hobby is studying human behavior throughout their reaction upon situations. Be sure to check out her other posts on our blog.

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