Control can be a tricky thing. We often want to hold onto it, whether it’s over our lives, feelings, or situations around us. Sometimes, it feels good to be in charge, but other times, it can be hard to accept that certain things are beyond our control. Finding the right balance can help us feel more at peace.
Today, we’ll share some powerful quotes about control. These words from different thinkers and writers can inspire us to rethink how we see control in our lives. They remind us that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond to what happens around us.
Quotes About Control
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote encourages us to recognize that fear can paralyze us and prevent us from controlling our responses to challenges. When we accept that fear exists but does not have power over us, we can begin to regain control of our actions and decisions. Here, we learn that taking charge does not mean avoiding fear but confronting it, allowing us to live fearlessly and more freely.
“You cannot control everything in your life, but you can control your attitude towards everything that happens in your life.” – Brian Tracy
This quote reminds us that while we may not have ultimate control over events, we can choose how we respond. By shaping our attitudes towards circumstances, we empower ourselves to handle situations better. It emphasizes the importance of choosing positivity, resilience, and perspective, which gives us control over our thoughts and feelings, even when external factors are beyond our reach.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
This quote highlights that achieving control over larger challenges often starts with small, manageable tasks. It teaches us that we don’t have to tackle everything at once. By focusing on little by little, we can establish a sense of control and progress in our lives. We can learn that every small step we take contributes to creating a bigger impact in overcoming obstacles.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This quote suggests that control over our future is rooted in our willingness to dream and believe in those dreams. By nurturing our aspirations, we foster a sense of direction and purpose. It inspires us to take charge of our lives and work toward our goals, reminding us that no matter the circumstances, we have the ultimate authority over our dreams and the paths we choose to pursue.
“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” – Aristotle
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote highlights the balance between living in the moment and continuously seeking knowledge. Gandhi invites us to control our present experiences while fueling a desire for growth and learning. It teaches us to appreciate today while preparing for tomorrow, empowering us with the notion that our control over our actions can lead us to lifelong fulfillment and wisdom.
“We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” – Anonymous
“Control is not about exerting power over others; it’s about steering your own ship.” – Anonymous
“You are not in control of everything that happens to you, but you are in control of how you react to what happens.” – Anonymous
“The only thing you can control is your own behavior.” – Patrick Lencioni
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Victor Frankl
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow.” – Lao Tzu
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.” – Woodrow Wilson
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” – Tim Ferriss
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anaïs Nin
“If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Jewish Proverb
“There will always be things you cannot control. The key is to focus on what you can control.” – Anonymous
“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
“You don’t have to be in control to be in charge.” – Anonymous
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.” – Arianna Huffington
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” – Jim Rohn
“Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan
“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
“We are not the makers of history. We are made by history.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” – Plutarch
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” – Lewis Carroll
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epilogues of On Diligence
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
“Take control of your own destiny or someone else will.” – John G. Pollard
“Control your own destiny or someone else will.” – Jack Welch
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” – Bette Davis
“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
This quote emphasizes that our reactions and perspectives play a crucial role in defining our success. By cultivating a positive attitude, we can take charge of our experiences and outcomes. It reinforces the concept that success is influenced more by how we approach challenges than merely our innate abilities, showcasing the power of mindset in achieving our goals.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
This quote reminds us that actively engaging in tasks often leads to success. By focusing on our work and efforts, we relinquish the need for constant validation, allowing success to flow naturally. It encourages us to take control of our endeavors, emphasizing productivity and dedication as essential factors in achieving our aspirations.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
This quote encourages us to maintain a positive outlook. By choosing to focus on the bright side of life, we minimize the effects of negativity and obstacles. This practice empowers us to take control of our perspective and encourages a sense of resilience, reminding us that positivity often leads to brighter experiences.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
This quote teaches us to prioritize adding value in our lives rather than merely chasing success. By focusing on doing meaningful work and positively impacting those around us, we take control over the legacy we leave behind. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from contributing and making a difference rather than solely seeking accolades or achievements.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
This quote emphasizes that we have the power to influence our destinies actively. By taking charge of our lives and decisions, we can shape our future according to our aspirations. It highlights the role of intention and agency in crafting our lives, reminding us that we control our path through our choices and actions.
“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” – George S. Patton
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
“If you will keep being your best self, you will end up winning.” – Joyce Meyer
Final Thoughts
Through these inspiring quotes, we’ve explored the many facets of control in our lives. They teach us how critical our reactions and attitudes are when facing uncertainty. By prioritizing our responses, we can shape our journeys more effectively. As we learn to take control of our actions and aspirations, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
It is essential to remember that while we cannot control everything, our mindset plays a key role in determining our path. Embracing this empowerment encourages personal growth and fulfillment. Let’s take these insights to heart and remain committed to crafting our futures with intention and courage.
If you’re interested in more inspiring reads, consider exploring topics like controlling your temper or dealing with control freaks. There’s always something new to learn!