Do you ever wonder what would happen to your life if you were to stop stressing, obsessing and controlling things you have no power over? Does it frighten you to consider living each day with trust and faith that things are working out for the better?
If you’re a “control freak” whose anxiety is at an all-time high from things not always going your way, it’s time to fully lose control. The first thing you should know about being “in control” is that you actually have little to no control over most things in life.
The only two things that are in our power are our attitude (the way we think, what we believe and how we feel) and our actions (our habits and behaviors). What’s interesting is that most control freaks don’t attempt to exercise their power over either their emotions or behaviors.
They focus solely on the circumstances, people and results that don’t seem to be working out “the way they should.” Control is an illusion and it’s a huge distraction for most women who are wanting more confidence, better health and a peaceful life. It’s also based in fear and insecurity, which is why we feel anxiety and stress when we try to control the things around us.
There is a common pattern amongst women with weight challenges and hormonal imbalances and that’s the need to control the process by which they get positive results. I will observe women wanting to “get it right” or who get upset when things aren’t perfect with their eating habits, exercise plan or general action steps.
The need to control gives the false impression that they are safe and secure and things are going to work out the right way. When in reality, the opposite is true. Controlling, trying to be perfect, or what we call being “attached” to your desires for better health or a better life can interfere with results, negatively impact motivation and make you feel like a failure. The only way to truly create the healthy life you want (and be happy and at peace about it) is to fully lose control.
Just surrender it. Your worst fears that chaos will erupt and your life will fall apart just isn’t true. And that story has been keeping you stuck for far too long. Losing control means stopping the obsessiveness about when you’ll get results, no longer stressing about someone else’s behavior, or choosing not to be anxious when things don’t seem to be working out. It means a life of emotional freedom where you’re not controlled by fear and illusions of control.
And while this isn’t something you will likely be able to do overnight, it is something you can take small, gradual steps towards. Practice letting go of your attachments, worries and that hard grip you have on uncontrollable things in life.
You’ll be able to relax more (which, by the way, will allow your body to calm down and naturally balance), more people will want to be around you, and you’ll get to experience a level of living that makes life so much more enjoyable…even through the hard times.
Action Step: Loosen that controlling grip on your health and watch it improve. Start by catching yourself being controlling in your thoughts and actions and choose to trust and relax instead. You’ll find that things work out differently than you imagined but better than you could have dreamed.
– Katie Humphrey
As a keynote speaker, empowerment coach, author and spokesperson, Katie Humphrey inspires women to feel fit, confident and motivated. Her dynamic Revolution of YOU brand helps overwhelmed and stressed out women confidently reach their goals.
