How many times have you tried to control the events, interactions, circumstances and outcomes in your life only to realize you exerted a ton of energy into something that could not be controlled?
When you are in “control mode”, what thoughts run through your mind? What emotions do you experience? What behaviors do you exhibit?
By definition, control includes the act of restraining, directing influence over, regulating, having power over, ruling. I don’t know about you but I feel exhausted just reading this list.
While exercising control has its benefits, such as regulating one’s anger, being a “Controller” can have a negative impact on yourself and others.
For example, a leader who is controlling, risks creating an environment of resentment from business partners, peers, and team members who feel constrained or limited in their ability to tap into their own reservoir of capabilities, experiences and know-how to drive successful outcomes.
As well, striving to control all things in work and life can take its toll on you – creating negative energy, unwanted stress and debilitating anxiety as you try to anticipate, orchestrate and direct much of which, at the end of the day, is not controllable.
What’s a self-proclaimed “Controller” to do? Embrace Flow.
When you release control and embrace flow you are able to create greater energy, enjoyment and ease in to your existence. Eliminating the thought or idea that the success of everything in work and life is ultimately yours to shoulder, not only decreases emotional stress and anxiety, but is freeing.
How can you achieve more flow?
Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment you are in; focus on what you can control; don’t allow perfection to be the enemy of the good; release expectations of the future and embrace what is now.
What might flow look like and feel like for you? How can you create more flow in your life? What would it feel like to stop trying to control that which cannot be controlled?
Unlock Your Full Potential.
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