Relinquishing Control

Are you the person everyone knows who never lets go of anything? You find it really hard to let someone do something for you. It's much easier just to do it yourself, right? You may have a control issue. This could get serious. Eventually, overload will happen and it will all come flying apart right in front of you. So, how about we explore some things you can do to help you in relinquishing that control you really don't have?

1) Nothing and no one is perfect. Same thing happens when you try to be perfect as when you try to control everything. Overload, everything flies apart. Do you try to make the bed until you can bounce a coin on the sheets? Do you write in your journal so that all the entries are just so? It is time to let go of the notion that you can ever be as perfect as you want others to see you. Start small and let a few things go and work your way up from there.

2) Does it seem like nothing is ever good enough? This is a real hard one for most controllers. This goes right in with trying to be perfect. Sometimes you just have to let something go and accept that it is good enough. That is not to say that you should not strive for the best. But when it's good, accept it. Perfection will never arrive.

3) One word you can work into your vocabulary is "no." This need to control extends to taking on too many projects because you feel you cannot refuse. You can be sure that others know this about you and take advantage of it. Start allowing yourself to say no. It's okay to let others know you do not have the time or you simply have no interest. The world will not come to a complete stop because you take a little time for you.

4) You can stop trying to do all of it yourself. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Doing everything can be overwhelming. Remember the danger of overload.

5) Are you so interested in the next project that you forget to see what you have already accomplished? Even the smallest of victories deserve to be celebrated. Give yourself credit where it is due.

Here is a fact: you can never control everything you think you are controlling. The more you try, the more frustrated and even bitter you will become. Stop damaging your body, mind and spirit with this need to control. The only thing you truly control is you.