Controlled by others or self-determined? This is how you take control of your life!
- Simon Julius Edgar Pruetz
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Controlled by others or self-determined? How to take control of your life
Many people feel trapped in the hamster wheel - constantly controlled by deadlines, expectations and external obligations. But true self-determination begins within. Self-leadership means making conscious decisions, setting clear priorities and using your own energy in a targeted manner. But how can you do that in a world full of distractions and external demands?
Why Self-Leadership Changes Your Life
Self-leadership is the ability to consciously control your own thoughts, emotions and actions. Those who master it will:
Clearer in his decisions
More effective use of time and energy
More resistant to stress and external influences
Without self-leadership, external factors control your life – with self-leadership, you actively take control.
Technology as a Model for Self-Leadership
In technology, there are systems that regulate and optimize themselves - just like you can actively shape your life. Imagine your mindset as a navigation system : without clear goals, you drive around aimlessly, but with conscious planning, you set precise waypoints for your success.
Another example is the energy management of a modern electric car . If you constantly go full throttle without consciously charging or driving efficiently, you lose valuable range. It's the same with our mental and physical energy - smart planning and conscious breaks increase our performance. At the same time, it's important to avoid deep discharge or overcharging, as both reduce capacity and performance in the long term. Just like a battery, we need a targeted balance of load and regeneration in order to remain efficient in the long term.
Myths about self-leadership – what really matters
🚫 “Self-leadership means having everything under control.”
✅ Wrong. It's not about control, but about conscious management and adaptation to changes.
🚫 “Discipline is the key to everything.”
✅ Only partially true. Discipline is important, but without clarity about your values and priorities, it often leads to stubborn overload.
🚫 “Self-leadership means doing everything on your own.”
✅ False. Good self-leadership also means accepting help and having a strong network.
Practical ways to live more independently
Develop a clear vision: What do you really want? Define your direction.
Set priorities: Focus on what really matters.
Manage energy in a targeted manner: Breaks are not a luxury, but essential for sustainable performance.
Strengthen mental clarity: Meditation, journaling or coaching help to sharpen your focus.
Establish conscious routines: structure creates freedom and more serenity.
Dealing consciously with external influences: consciously reflecting on and adapting media consumption, social interactions and environmental influences.
Reflection Questions for More Self-determination
What external influences currently control your life the most?
Where can you make more conscious decisions?
Which routines help you to use your energy in a targeted manner?
How can you improve your personal energy management?
Conclusion: Become the designer of your life
Self-leadership is the key to a conscious, fulfilled life. Those who actively control their thoughts, emotions and time instead of allowing themselves to be controlled create clarity, focus and long-term success.
Are you ready to regain control of your life? Then start now with conscious decisions and self-determined routines!
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