In life, you encounter numerous things that you try to change, wish were different, or try to control. The truth is, a lot of these things are simply out of your control. You can’t control what has happened in your past, but you can control how you choose to think about it. You can’t control other people’s feelings, but you can control how you treat and respond to others. You can’t control exactly what will happen in the future, but you can control the actions you take to help form your future self.
If you notice the pattern, the only real things that are in your control are within yourself. Most of the time, you find yourself looking externally to other people, other things, and the universe to control how you think, feel, and experience life. When it comes to being in control of your mindset, you have to look internally. I believe that many people understand this concept intellectually, but it’s not something that most people are practicing.
To truly put this into practice, you first have to acknowledge your thoughts. It's super important to do a thought download. Take all of your thoughts, write them down, type them out—however you like to see them visually—and notice the things you are writing down. Getting your thoughts out of your head will help you understand that there are thoughts that might not be serving you, and you have the ability to change them. To take this to the next level, make a list, and write out all of the things you are currently working through, struggling with, or feeling stuck about. Cross off all of the things that you can’t control and focus on the things that you can.
You will find more peace in navigating through life’s challenges when you take the time to truly reflect on the things that are in your control. So, move forward knowing that when you reflect internally, look within yourself—you have more power than you think in being in control.
