Introduction
Let’s get one thing straight—you are the author of your life. Not your boss, not your parents, not society, and certainly not those judgmental voices in your head. The sooner you start writing your story on your own terms, the sooner you get to live a more amazing life. No more waiting for permission, no more living by someone else’s script. It’s time to take control.
If you’re tired of feeling like life is just happening to you instead of being shaped by you, this post is for you. It’s time for you to reclaim the pen and start writing your best chapter yet.
Why You Need to Take Charge
Too many people sleepwalk through life, following someone else’s expectations instead of their own desires. Maybe you’re stuck in a job you hate, maintaining relationships that drain you, or living by “rules” that no longer serve you. If that sounds familiar, it’s definitely time to hit the reset button.
Living life on your terms isn’t just a fluffy motivational quote—it’s the difference between existing and thriving. When you take control, you become more confident, resilient, and fulfilled. You stop wasting time on things that don’t align with your goals, and you start building a life that actually excites you.
So, how do you do it? Here’s your action plan.
Step 1: Own Your Choices (No More Excuses!)
The first step to taking control of your life is accepting full responsibility for it. Yes, unexpected things happen, and yes, life can be unfair—but blaming circumstances or other people only keeps you stuck.
Instead of saying:
- “I can’t start a business because I have a full-time job.”
- “I’m stuck in this relationship because I don’t want to be alone.”
- “I can’t work out because I don’t have time.”
Flip the script:
- “I choose to work a full-time job while building my business on the side.”
- “I choose to stay in this relationship, but I can also choose to leave.”
- “I choose how I spend my time, and I can make space for exercise.”
Taking control means acknowledging that you always have a choice—even if the options aren’t ideal. Own your decisions, and suddenly, life feels a lot less like a prison and more like an open road.
Step 2: Set Boundaries Like a Boss
If you’re constantly putting everyone else’s needs before your own, you’re handing them the pen to your story. It’s time to set some boundaries.
Here’s how:
- At work: If your boss keeps piling on extra tasks, practice saying, “I’d love to help, but I need to prioritize my current workload first.”
- With family and friends: If people drain your energy, limit how much time you spend with them.
- With yourself: Stop agreeing to things that don’t align with your goals. If you don’t want to go to that party, say no. If you need time alone, take it.
When you set boundaries, you’re not being selfish—you’re respecting yourself enough to protect your time and energy. And that’s a power move.
Step 3: Define Your Own Success
Society has a checklist: Go to college, get a good job, buy a house, get married, have kids, retire. But what if that’s not your dream?
Success is personal. Maybe your version of success is traveling the world, working remotely, or living in a tiny house by the beach. Maybe it’s homeschooling your kids, writing a book, or starting a non-profit.
Whatever it is, own it. Stop letting other people dictate what your life “should” look like. Your success is yours to define, so make sure it’s something that genuinely excites you.
Step 4: Stop Seeking Approval
You will never make everyone happy—so stop trying. The more you worry about what other people think, the less you live for yourself.
Ask yourself:
- Are you making decisions based on what YOU want or what will impress others?
- Are you afraid to take risks because of potential judgment?
- Are you holding back your true self to fit in?
The harsh truth: People will judge you no matter what you do. You might as well do what makes you happy. The only approval you need is your own.
Step 5: Take Action (Even If It’s Messy)
Dreaming about a better life is great, but action is what makes it happen. Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment because it doesn’t exist.
Start now:
- If you want to switch careers, take a class or network with people in your desired field.
- If you want to improve your health, start with small habits like drinking more water or taking daily walks.
- If you want to be more confident, practice speaking up and taking up space.
Your future self will thank you for every tiny step you take today.
Step 6: Embrace Failure and Keep Moving
Newsflash: Failure isn’t the end of the world. It’s a plot twist. Every successful person has failed—probably more times than they can count. The difference? They didn’t let failure define them; they used it as a stepping stone.
If something doesn’t work out, pivot. Learn the lesson, adjust your approach, and keep going. Life isn’t about getting everything right the first time—it’s about resilience.
Step 7: Surround Yourself with the Right People
If you hang out with people who constantly complain, doubt themselves, or tear you down, guess what? You’re absorbing that energy.
Find people who:
- Inspire and challenge you
- Support your goals instead of belittling them
- Encourage you to be your best self
Your environment shapes you more than you realize. Choose wisely.
Conclusion: Your Story, Your Rules
You have one life—why let someone else dictate it? It’s time to take control, set boundaries, define your success, and take action. No more waiting, no more excuses. The pen is in your hand. Start writing the story you actually want to live.
Remember, the sooner you live life for yourself, the sooner you get to live a more amazing life. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make it happen!
Always,
Kerri
