What can we do when we don’t really like our life, when we want to change? How can we influence our lives to bring more meaning, more joy, more serenity? Here are 4 steps you can take right now to take charge of your life.

1 – Take stock before acting on your life

When we feel the urge to change, we tend to make the mistake of leaving everything behind without really taking stock.

And yet, taking stock is essential to ensure that you act on your life based on the positive, not the negative.

Indeed, we tend to run away from our problems rather than find lasting solutions.

This is why, although we make changes in our lives, our level of happiness and well-being doesn’t increase, because we don’t solve our problems.

So, how do we take stock?

I invite you to answer these questions: “What do I like about my life, and what do I like less? What are my favorite activities and what are the ones I don’t like?”

Then look at your dreams: “What am I dreaming about right now? What am I passionate about?”

Sometimes it’s hard to answer questions about our dreams. In fact, we’re so stressed or frustrated that we can no longer dream or feel passionate about things.

That’s why we can rephrase the question as follows: “If I lived in an ideal world, what would my life be like? Where would I be? Who would I be with? What would I be doing? What would my habits and passions be? What would my job be?”

Let that question resonate for a week. In fact, every day for a week, ask yourself this question and take 5 minutes to think about it.

2 – Developing self-confidence

Now that you have a better understanding of what you like and don’t like in your current life and what you’d like in your ideal life, you already have an idea of the changes you’d like to make in your life.

But it’s quite possible that a little voice inside you is making you have doubts.

For example: “Are you really sure you’re up to the challenge of becoming a photographer? Are you really sure that taking up painting at your age is the right thing to do?

And that little voice keeps going round and round in your head, telling you: “You’re not up to it. Give up your plans and dreams right now and be content with what you’ve got.”

That’s why it’s essential to understand that to take action in your life, you need to develop your self-confidence.

Because developing self-confidence means understanding that it’s normal to doubt yourself, but that you have to act on your life anyway. Despite the fear, despite the doubts.

In fact, all too often, we idealize taking action. We think we have to have no doubts about ourselves or about life to take the plunge. But we really don’t.

Doubts and fear will always be part of the journey. That’s just the way it is.

In other words, you need to build up your self-confidence enough to take action in spite of everything.

Personally, to help me take action, I repeat to myself this simple yet powerful phrase: “I deserve and am as capable as anyone else of living the life of my dreams.”

And, every day, I take small actions.

Because self-confidence is built through action. Indeed, the more you act, the more self-confident you become.

3 – Set goals to influence your life

Now that you’ve taken stock and realized that you can take action despite your fears and doubts, it’s time to set some goals.

Indeed, to take action in your life, you need a direction.

You have to start somewhere, and you have to start now.

To do this, I invite you to look back at your ideal life: what did you dream of? Then list at least 10 goals that could help you achieve that ideal life.

Then, from among the goals you’ve listed, choose the one you like best. The one that gives you the most joy, the one that makes you want to do more.

Trust yourself.

The other goals will follow after this first one.

So now, I invite you to write down your goal on a sheet of paper, in a note on your phone, so that you can see it every day!

Remember: having a goal gives your life meaning.

That’s why it’s essential that you remember your why every day, why you get up in the morning.

4 – Taking action

Now that you’ve got your goal, it’s time to take action.

Usually, this is when people stop. Because taking action is scary.

People make all kinds of excuses: “I’m too tired, too stressed” or “I don’t have the time, I don’t have the money” or “I don’t know how to do it.”

That’s why start small and start somewhere.

Learn. Do your research. Take action, no matter how small.

Because remember: the goal isn’t to go fast, the goal is to move in the right direction.

In fact, once you’ve got a direction you like, your life becomes more meaningful and you can feel more joy and serenity right away.

I know all about that. I’ve been working on my goal for over 4 years now, and I’ve never been happier.

Because in the morning, I get up for the right reasons and in the evening, I’m satisfied and fulfilled, because I feel I’ve taken action to move forward.

in the right direction.

That’s why I remind you that acting on your life isn’t about arriving at the destination straight away, it’s about moving forward. Moving forward for the right reasons.

That’s why take action. Start somewhere. You’ll get there. It’ll take as long as it takes. That’s not important. What’s important is that you feel you’re taking action, moving in a direction you like.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Stop having to put up with life: tips for moving forward
Discover How to free yourself from your past

I recommend this inspiring book:

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Robert Cialdini explores the principles of influence, offering insight into how understanding and applying these principles can enable individuals to shape their lives. By delving into the psychology behind persuasion, the book provides readers with valuable knowledge for making intentional choices, building better relationships and navigating the social dynamics that impact personal and professional spheres.

In conclusion, I can recommend it to anyone interested in psychology, marketing, sales, politics or human behavior in general. This is a remarkable book that provides in-depth insight into the fascinating world of persuasion, while helping us to refine our own thinking and decision-making.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself