72 things you can control (Navigating the uncontrollable)

Life can be crazy, with unexpected twists and turns at any given time. Sometimes, we can manage these uncertainties when they happen, and other times, there is little or nothing we can do.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the things we can’t control, it’s important to acknowledge the many aspects of life that we do have control over.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the things we can control in life, and see how we can navigate those we can’t.

Identifying the things you can control

Life is like a canvas waiting to be painted, and it’s up to us to decide which colors to use. When we focus on the things we can control, we empower ourselves to shape our destinies and live without worries.

Now, let’s dive in and discover the areas where we have the power to make a difference.

Personal growth

1. Personal Development: Take charge of your personal growth by setting goals and creating a plan to achieve them. You can learn a new skill or improve your physical fitness. Investing in yourself is always worthwhile.
2. Mindset: Build a positive mindset by practicing gratitude, reframing negative thoughts, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
3. Attitude: Choose to approach life with a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges. Your attitude can impact your outlook on life and the opportunities that come your way.
4. Emotions: Develop your emotional intelligence by becoming more aware of your emotions and learning how to manage them . This skill will not only improve your relationships but also enhance your well-being.
5. Beliefs: Shape your convictions, for they are the springboard from which all other decisions emanate.
6. Your Attitude: Your disposition determines your path in life, keep it positive!
7. Self-Care: Focus on self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include anything from practicing mindfulness to indulging in a relaxing bubble bath.
8. Your Thoughts: The thoughts echoing in the corridors of your mind determines your reality.
9. Time Management: Take control of your time by creating a schedule that aligns with your priorities and allows you to make the most of each day.
10. Financial Choices: Budget, and let your money work for you. Understanding the power of financial decisions helps you build a stable future, allowing you to enjoy both the present and what lies ahead. Gain control over your financial future by creating a budget, saving money, and making informed decisions about your finances.
11. Health and Fitness: Make conscious choices about your health by exercising, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep.
12. Education and Learning: Take ownership of your education by seeking out opportunities for learning and growth, both inside and outside the classroom.
13. Stress management: Develop strategies to handle stress. Learning to manage stress ensures you stay resilient in the face of challenges, promoting both mental and physical well-being.
14. Problem-solving approach: Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Embracing problems as opportunities to find solutions empowers you to overcome obstacles and achieve your objectives.
15. Setting realistic expectations: Avoid unnecessary pressure by setting achievable goals. Establishing realistic expectations sets you up for success, preventing burnout and disappointment.
16. Sleep Routine: Focus on quality sleep for your well-being. A good night’s sleep is the foundation for physical and mental health, enhancing your ability to face the challenges of each day

Relationships

17. Communication: Improve your relationships by practicing effective communication skills, such as active listening and expressing yourself clearly and respectfully. Effective communication is the bridge that turns ideas into actions, fostering stronger relationships both personally and professionally.
18. Boundaries: Set healthy boundaries in your relationships to ensure that you met your needs and protect your well-being. Know when to say no for your well-being. Establishing clear boundaries allows you to maintain a healthy balance between giving and preserving your energy.
19. Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. Developing emotional intelligence helps you navigate relationships with empathy and self-awareness, fostering healthier connections.
20. Conflict resolution: Learn how to navigate conflicts in a constructive way by focusing on finding solutions and maintaining open communication.
21. Building a support network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who uplift and encourage you.
22. Social Skills: Develop social skills that will help you navigate various social situations with confidence and ease.
23. Love and Intimacy: Foster healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships by nurturing love, trust, and intimacy.
24. Forgiveness: Practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself, to let go of resentment and find peace.
25. Quality Time: Spend quality time with your loved ones, creating memories and strengthening your bonds.
26. Forgiveness: Free yourself by letting go of grudges. Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself, releasing the burden of resentment and creating space for personal growth.
27. Kindness: Spread positivity through small acts of kindness. Simple gestures of kindness create a ripple effect, making the world a better place and brightening both your and others’ days.
28. Friendship maintenance: Nurture and invest in your friendships. Meaningful connections require effort, so investing time and energy in your friendships strengthens your support network.
29. Networking: Build valuable connections in your personal and professional life. Networking opens doors to opportunities, offering a chance to learn, grow, and collaborate with others on a shared journey.
30. Volunteering: Contribute to your community and make a positive impact. Volunteering not only benefits others but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your own life.

Your environment

31. Adaptability: Roll with life’s punches and adapt to change. Being adaptable equips you to navigate the twists and turns of life, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
32. Home Decor: Personalize your living space by decorating it in a way that reflects your personality and brings you joy.
33. Personal Style: Express your individuality through your personal style, whether it’s through fashion, grooming, or other forms of self-expression.
34. Hobbies and Interests: Cultivate hobbies and interests that bring you joy and allow you to express your creativity and passion.
35. Digital Presence: Take control of your online presence by curating your social media profiles and being mindful of the content you share.
36. Personal Safety: Prioritize your safety by taking precautions, such as learning self-defense techniques and being aware of your surroundings.
37. Environmental Impact: Make conscious choices that minimize your environmental footprint, such as recycling, conserving energy, and reducing waste.
38. Personal Hygiene: Take care of your personal hygiene by establishing a routine that ensures you feel clean and confident.
39. Personal Boundaries: Set boundaries in your personal environment to create a sense of safety, privacy, and comfort.
40. Personal Style: Express yourself through your unique fashion. Your personal style is a form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your individuality and confidence to the world.
41. Organization skills: Keep your space and thoughts organized. Organizing your physical and mental space reduces stress, increases productivity, and helps you stay focused on your goals.
42. Time for hobbies: Make time for activities that bring you joy. Hobbies are your personal escape, offering relaxation, fulfillment, and a chance to explore your passions.

Career and professional development

43. Work Ethic: Your effort and dedication determine your success. Cultivate a strong work ethic, and you’ll find that consistent hard work not only propels you toward your goals but also earns the respect of those around you.
44. Career Goals: Define your career goals and take steps to achieve them, whether it’s through further education, networking, or gaining relevant experience.
45. Professional Networking: Build a professional network by attending industry events, connecting with like-minded professionals, and seeking mentorship opportunities.
46. Professional Development: Invest in your professional growth by seeking out learning opportunities, attending workshops, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
47. Balancing work and play: Ensure a healthy balance between responsibilities and relaxation. Balancing work and play is important for sustained productivity and overall well-being.
48. Time Management: Manage your time effectively at work by prioritizing tasks, delegating when necessary, and avoiding procrastination.
49. Professional Relationships: Foster positive relationships with colleagues and superiors by practicing effective communication, collaboration, and respect.
50. Work Ethic: Cultivate a strong work ethic by taking pride in your work, being punctual, and demonstrating reliability.
51. Adaptability: Embrace change and cultivate adaptability in the workplace to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
52. Professional Image: Present yourself professionally through your appearance, communication style, and overall demeanor.
53. Creativity: Explore and embrace your imaginative side. Cultivating creativity adds color to your life, offering innovative solutions to problems and making your journey uniquely yours.

Mindset and perspective

54. Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude by regularly acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in your life.
55. Acceptance: Practice acceptance of things you can’t change and focus on what you can control instead.
56. Resilience: Develop resilience by bouncing back from setbacks and learning from challenges.
57. Self-Reflection: Set aside time for self-reflection to gain insight into your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
58. Optimism: Adopt an optimistic mindset by focusing on possibilities and opportunities, even in difficult times.
59. Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, embracing your imperfections and practicing self-care.
60. Flexibility: Embrace flexibility in your plans and expectations, allowing room for spontaneity and adaptation.
61. Growth Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset by believing in your ability to learn and grow, even in the face of challenges.
62. Self-Belief: Cultivate self-belief by recognizing your strengths, setting ambitious goals, and taking steps towards achieving them.
63. Curiosity: Stay curious, always eager to learn. The world is a treasure trove of knowledge, and maintaining a curious mindset keeps life exciting and filled with constant discovery.
64. Reading habits: Feed your mind with diverse and enriching content. Regular reading broadens your perspective, fuels creativity, and provides a constant source of personal and intellectual growth.
65. Gratitude for criticism: Learn and grow from constructive feedback. Embracing criticism as a tool for improvement enables you to refine your skills and become the best version of yourself.
66. Courage: Face fears head-on and embrace challenges. Courage is the catalyst for growth; it propels you beyond your comfort zone, opening doors to new possibilities and personal development.
67. Humor: Find laughter even in the toughest situations. A good sense of humor lightens the load, making challenges more manageable and bringing joy to both yourself and those around you.
68. Reflective Practices: Take time to reflect on your experiences and choices. Regular reflection provides valuable insights, allowing you to learn from the past and make informed decisions for the future.
69. Patience: Understand that good things take time. Cultivating patience enables you to endure setbacks with grace, trusting the process and allowing success to unfold at its own pace.
70. Determination: Persist in the face of obstacles—your grit defines you. Determination fuels your journey, turning setbacks into stepping stones and ensuring you reach your desired destination.
71. Mindfulness: Be present in the moment, savoring life. Embracing mindfulness allows you to appreciate the richness of each experience and foster a deeper connection with yourself and the world.
72. Ability to learn from mistakes: Turn setbacks into lessons for growth. Every stumble is an opportunity to learn and improve, leading to a stronger, wiser version of yourself.

Embracing the uncontrollable

There are things we can’t control, and acknowledging this is not weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s surrendering to the natural order of life without losing our identity within its structure. Some of these things include:

• Other People’s Actions and Decisions: We can influence others, but we cannot control their thoughts, feelings, or choices. You also can’t control how others behave or treat you. All you can control is your perspective towards it.
• Time: We cannot control or manipulate time. It moves forward independently of our desires.
• Death: The inevitability of death is something we cannot control. It is a natural part of life.
• Others’ opinions and perceptions: How others perceive or judge us is largely beyond our control.
• Past Events: The past is an unalterable narrative of our lives, which we cannot change. Once something has happened, it is irreversible.
• Health Issues: While we can take steps to maintain our health, some health issues are beyond our control.
• Economic Conditions: Global economic trends, recessions, and market fluctuations are beyond our individual control.
• Genetic Factors: Our genetic makeup is something we inherit and cannot control.
• Government Policies and Decisions: The policies and decisions made by governments are often beyond our direct control.
• Weather: We cannot control the weather, and it can have a significant impact on our plans and daily lives.
• Technological Advances: The pace of technological progress is beyond our control.
• Random Events: Some events are simply unpredictable and occur randomly.
• Global Events: Large-scale events on a global scale, such as geopolitical tensions or pandemics, are beyond our control.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: Unexpected situations and circumstances that arise without warning can be challenging to control.
• Social and Cultural Changes: Shifts in societal norms, cultural values, and trends are often beyond our control.
• Acts of Nature: Natural events like earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis are often considered acts of nature that we cannot control.
• Political Instability: Political situations and instability in different regions can affect our lives, but they are often beyond our control.

Dealing with what you can’t control

The real challenge is not a mere listing of the things we can’t control but finding ways to navigate them. Here’s how:

• Acceptance: Realize that no matter how hard you try, some things are not meant to be controlled. Acceptance often emancipates power into other resourceful parts of our lives.
• Actionable Strategies: Develop coping strategies, like physical movement or mindfulness. These can help you deal with intrusive thoughts.
• Letting Go: Learn to let go of things that are beyond your control and focus on what you can influence.
• Serenity Prayer: Embrace the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, accepting the things you cannot change, finding courage to change the things you can, and seeking wisdom to know the difference.
• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment.
• Trusting the Process: Embrace uncertainty, trust the journey and know that everything happens for a reason. Trust that you will grow through the challenges you face.
• Seeking Support: Reach out for support when navigating the uncontrollable. It can be through friends, family, or professional guidance.

Life involves balancing the things we can control and those we can’t control. Focusing our energy on the aspects of life that we can control allows us to create a sense of empowerment.

Remember, you have the power to shape your own destiny and make a positive impact on the world around you. Embrace the things you can control, navigate the ones you can’t, and enjoy the journey of life.