Do you ever feel like your life is just one big battle against things you can’t control? The weather, the traffic, the news – it can all feel like an endless source of stress and frustration. And the worst part is, no matter how much you try, you just can’t seem to do anything about it.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. We all struggle with trying to control the uncontrollable. But the truth is, all that stress and anxiety you feel is just a big waste of your precious time and energy.
There are five surprising things in particular that tend to drain us without us even realizing it. And once you know what they are, you can start taking back control.
1. The Weather
Let’s start with an easy one – the weather. How many times have you let a little rain or snow ruin your plans? You wake up, see the gloomy forecast, and immediately start stressing about it.
But here’s the thing – you can’t control the weather. No matter how much you fret and complain, a cloudy day isn’t going to magically turn sunny. All that negative energy is just wasted.
Instead of letting the weather get you down, try to see it as an opportunity. When it rains, go for a walk or run anyway. The exercise will actually strengthen the willpower center of your brain. And who knows, that surprise rainstorm could end up making your wedding or party even more memorable.
The key is to shift your mindset. Stop trying to control something that’s completely out of your hands, and start using the weather as a chance to build discipline and resilience.
2. Waiting in Line
Whether it’s sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the post office, having to wait is a huge source of frustration for a lot of us. You start gripping the steering wheel, tapping your foot, and just generally stressing yourself out.
But again, once you’re stuck in that line, there’s nothing you can do about it. All your anger and impatience isn’t going to make it move any faster.
Instead of wasting that time feeling annoyed, try to see it as a gift. Use those forced waiting periods productively – listen to a podcast, call a friend, or just practice being present and mindful. Reframe it in your mind from “lost time” to “found time.”
When you approach unavoidable waiting with this mindset, it becomes a lot less stressful. You’re taking back control by choosing how to spend that time, rather than letting it control you.
3. The News and Social Media
In today’s digital world, we’re constantly bombarded with news and social media. It’s easy to get sucked into the negativity and drama, feeling anxious and upset about things that are completely out of our control.
The solution? Get proactive about your media consumption. Unfollow accounts and pages that make you feel bad, and instead, seek out content that inspires and empowers you. Follow people and sources that align with your values and help you move forward in your own life.
Remember, you can’t control the headlines, but you can control your headspace. Be intentional about what you allow into your mind, and you’ll find that your stress levels drop dramatically.
4. The Past
We all have regrets and embarrassing moments from our past that make us cringe. But no matter how much we wish we could go back and change them, it’s just not possible. The past is the past.
Dwelling on those regrets is a huge waste of time and energy. It doesn’t change anything, and it just makes you feel worse in the present. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on what you can control – your actions and behaviors today.
The best way to make amends for past mistakes is to prove you’ve learned and grown by living your life in a way that makes you proud. Every positive step you take today is a testament to how far you’ve come.
5. The Future
Worrying about the future is another huge time and energy drain. We stress and fret about all kinds of “what ifs” – what if I lose my job? What if my relationship falls apart? What if I never reach my goals?
But the truth is, you can’t control the future. No matter how much you worry, you have no way of knowing what’s going to happen. All that fretting is just wasted effort.
Here’s the thing – your daily habits and actions today have a much bigger impact on your future than any amount of anxiety. If you’re worried about your retirement, for example, don’t just sit and stew about it – start budgeting and saving now. If you’re anxious about your appearance for an upcoming vacation, make a plan to start exercising and eating healthier.
The future is unwritten, but you have the power to shape it through your present-day choices. Stop wasting time worrying, and start taking action to create the future you want.
Take Back Your Time and Energy
Does this all sound familiar? Maybe a little too familiar? If you’re constantly feeling stressed, frustrated, and out of control, it’s time to stop wasting your time and energy on the things you can’t control.
Instead, focus on what you can control – your mindset, your actions, and your habits. When you shift your focus to the things within your power, you’ll find that a lot of that anxiety and tension starts to melt away.
