This is a metaphor I hear from people who get it.

What do I mean by get it, you ask?

Simple, these are people who understand that they have a level of control over their lives which determines what happens to them. When I look around, a common thing I hear is some derivation of “It’s out of my hands.” Whether they blame an unfortunate situation on anything but themselves, or don’t have an ambitious goal with steps to take toward, this is an issue which permeates many individuals.

The game is halfway won when you realize you’re in control of your life by at least 50%. The rest is determined by circumstance. This applies to 96% of individuals & 90% of situations. It gives you an added level of self-awareness, which in turn helps direct you toward taking charge of your life properly.

The opposite of this thought is one of the roots of complaining. If you think life is out of your hands, you will inadvertently complain about your misfortunes, and even your fortunes. People complain about the systems put into place by society to aid them if they do not get them there effortlessly, blame politicians for the root of their problems, the media for seeding flawed opinions, and much more. While it’s true each of these subjects have issues we can and should work to resolve, the majority of people don’t seem to care enough to elicit real change. Why? Because complaining is easy. The difficult thing is to stand, take responsibility, and claim “I made my bed, therefore I can sleep in it.” No complaints. Just do.

At least 50% of your life is determined by choice. That gives you tremendous power over your life. And here’s a secret: That 50% of your life you can control? It partially influences the future circumstances you are in. Be sure to steer it in a direction that will benefit you. You can complain about your financial standing and blame it on the government. You can look at your ambition in 10 years and say it’s not likely to happen. Or you can come up with a step by step plan to become financially independent, achieve that life goal, and take charge of your life. It is your choice, my friend. Choose wisely.

I made my bed, therefore I sleep in it. Therefore whatever vitriol or venom I receive as a result of my actions I understand is something I can handle, whether or not it may seem like it at the time.

This is not motivation. This is what you need to do to forever realize that you are in control.