A young woman dreams of being kind and helpful, imagining herself as someone who makes a difference. But she never takes action. She sees an old neighbor struggling with groceries but walks past, thinking, "I wish I were the kind of person who helped." In her mind, she is kind, but to others, she is just another passerby.
Another woman works hard every day, sharing her knowledge and helping others. She gives advice, teaches, and solves problems. Yet, deep inside, she feels like a fraud. "I don’t really know what I’m doing," she tells herself. But those around her see something different. To them, she is wise and capable, someone they trust and admire.
Our thoughts don’t shape how others see us—our actions do. The first woman believes she is kind, but no one sees it because she never acts. The second doubts herself, yet her actions prove her worth. In the end, what we do, not what we think, defines who we are.
If we want to be seen as kind, skilled, or strong, we must act that way. Thinking alone changes nothing. Waiting for others to notice us without action leads nowhere. Instead of doubting or hesitating, we should take control of our lives. Help someone, speak up, and do what we dream of being. People notice what you do, not what you think. So start now—be the person you want to be through your actions.
This article explores three essential elements for achieving greater control over your life: defining your purpose, embracing challenges, and recognizing the rewards. Read on to discover how each of these components contributes to a more empowered and fulfilling existence.
The Purpose
Your purpose gives your life meaning. It’s more than just a passion or a dream—it’s the deep reason behind what you do. A strong purpose pushes you forward, even when things get difficult. It keeps you going when motivation fades and challenges appear.
Finding your purpose takes time. It requires self-reflection, curiosity, and action. You won’t find it by simply thinking about it. You have to try things, fail, and learn. Pay attention to what excites you, what problems you care about, and what makes you feel alive. Purpose is not just about personal success—it’s about making a meaningful impact. It should challenge you to grow while also inspiring others.
The right purpose is never easy. If it were simple, it wouldn’t be worth chasing. It should require effort, resilience, and patience. The struggle to achieve it is what makes it meaningful. Don’t be afraid of difficulties—they are proof that you are on the right path. True purpose is built through action, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
The Struggle
No one is perfect, but those who embrace their struggles can turn them into strengths. Growth comes from choosing a challenge bigger than yourself, something that forces you to push past your limits.
The size of the challenge each of us takes on is personal and unique. What matters is that the conflict is big enough to stretch you. It should make you uncomfortable. It should demand patience, discipline, and resilience. Many people struggle with patience, refusing to confront the slow, steady work that real change requires. But patience is part of every great story.
The biggest battle is often internal. Self-doubt, fear, and hesitation will try to hold you back. But these are not signs to stop. They are signs that you are moving toward something meaningful. Embrace the discomfort and keep going.
The Reward
The only reward worth chasing is the happiness of pursuit. If you focus only on the outcome, you might miss the joy of the journey. If you stay open, every step, even the missteps, becomes part of a fulfilling experience.
Forget about finding a perfect destination. Instead, focus on a direction that excites you. Be flexible. If your path feels wrong, change direction. Your story is yours to shape, and the best stories grow with time.
There is no grand climax. Life isn’t a movie where everything wraps up neatly at the end. You won’t have a single moment where everything suddenly makes sense. But transformation happens along the way. Every challenge you take on, every lesson you learn, brings you closer to the best version of yourself. And that is the true reward.
References
Take Control of Your Life’s Story: The 4-Step Guide: https://www.thezag.com/control-your-life-story/
Inspirational post. What really resonated with me was the part about facing difficulties which is proof we're on the right path and being patient. I definitely face self doubt from time to time but find confort in knowing that I'm stretching myself in the process.