You Can’t Control Everything—But Here Are 30 Things in Life You Can Control

As humans, we often spend too much energy on things we can’t change.

I’ve wasted plenty of time trying to force my feelings to shift, complaining about the seasons I didn’t enjoy, and worrying about what others thought of me. I used to wonder how anyone could dislike me.

None of that effort paid off.

You can’t snap your fingers and change how you feel about something. You can’t make the weather suit your mood. You can’t decide what someone thinks about you or anyone else.

But you can take steps to sort through your emotions. You can find ways to enjoy each season or even move somewhere with weather you prefer. You can also let go of trying to please everyone.

For every single thing in life you can’t control, there are many more that you can.

Your thoughts, your choices, your relationships, and your goals all belong to you. You have more power than you may think.

I’ve gathered a list of 30 things in life you can control.

If you feel like life just happens to you, let this be a reminder that you still have a say in what comes next.

If you’re ready to guide your life where you want it to go, keep reading.

30 Things In Life You Can Control

1. The Way You Talk to Yourself

Your thoughts matter.

If you spend your days telling yourself you’re not good enough, you’ll start to believe it.

I used to do this a lot.

Now I practice speaking kindly to myself.

It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps me stay grounded and calm.

2. What You Focus On

You decide where you place your attention.

You can choose to dwell on problems or look for what’s working.

When I focus on something good, even something small, I feel more hopeful.

3. How You Spend Your Time

Time is precious.

No one else gets to say how you use it.

I try to fill my time with things that matter to me, like being with people I care about or doing work that feels meaningful.

4. The Words You Say to Others

You have the power to speak with respect or hurt someone with your words.

I try to think before I speak, even when I’m upset.

It saves me a lot of regret later.

5. How You Respond to Stress

Stress shows up for everyone.

I can’t stop it, but I can choose how I react.

Sometimes I take a walk or just breathe deeply.

Small steps can help me feel steady again.

6. Your Habits

Your habits shape your life more than you think.

I learned that I have control over my routines.

Even little changes, like going to bed earlier or eating better, can make a big difference.

7. The People You Allow in Your Life

You can choose who gets your time and energy.

If someone always leaves you drained or unhappy, you don’t have to keep them close.

I had to learn this the hard way.

8. The Way You Treat Your Body

You can decide to rest when you’re tired or fuel yourself with healthy food.

Your body listens to how you treat it.

I’ve learned to be more gentle with myself.

9. Your Reactions to Other People

You can’t control someone else’s mood or choices.

But you can control your own response.

This is something I’m still working on every day.

10. How You Handle Failure

Failure happens to everyone.

You can beat yourself up or see it as a lesson.

When I started treating mistakes as teachers, I felt less afraid to try again.

11. Your Goals

You get to set your own goals.

They don’t have to match anyone else’s.

I’ve found that personal goals keep me moving forward.

12. What You Learn

Learning is always in your hands.

You can pick up a new skill or read something that inspires you.

Knowledge feels like freedom to me.

13. How Much You Complain

I used to complain about everything.

It made me feel worse.

Now I try to notice when I’m slipping into it and switch to gratitude instead.

14. Your Boundaries

You decide where your limits are.

It’s okay to say no.

I had to practice this a lot, but it’s worth it.

15. How Often You Show Gratitude

Gratitude can shift your mood fast.

I write down three things I’m thankful for every morning.

It reminds me that not everything is bad.

16. The Media You Consume

You choose what you watch, read, and listen to.

I try to pick things that lift me up instead of bringing me down.

17. How You Handle Money

You get to decide how you spend, save, or give your money.

Even small steps to track your spending can help you feel more secure.

18. Your Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish.

You can plan time to rest, enjoy hobbies, or simply take a break.

I notice I’m a better person when I care for myself first.

19. Your Environment

You can tidy up your space or make it cozy.

A peaceful space can help calm your mind.

I always feel lighter after cleaning my room.

20. How You Forgive

Forgiveness doesn’t mean what someone did was okay.

It just means you’re ready to stop carrying the pain.

It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done, but it freed me.

21. Your Effort

You can’t always control outcomes, but you can control how much effort you put in.

I remind myself that trying my best is enough.

22. Your Attitude

Your mindset shapes how you see the world.

When I stay open and positive, life feels a bit easier.

23. The Risks You Take

You decide when to step out of your comfort zone.

I’ve found that taking small risks often leads to big growth.

24. How You Treat Others

Kindness is always in your control.

I try to be gentle with people, even on hard days.

25. What You Let Go Of

You can choose to release grudges, regrets, or old dreams that no longer fit.

Letting go can feel scary but also freeing.

26. The Promises You Keep

You control whether you follow through on your word.

Keeping promises to yourself builds trust in who you are.

27. How You Spend Your Free Time

You get to pick what fills your evenings or weekends.

I try to spend my free time doing things that bring me joy.

28. Your Self-Respect

No one else can give you respect if you don’t give it to yourself.

I learned to stand up for what I believe in.

29. The Dreams You Chase

You get to decide which dreams matter most to you.

It’s never too late to start working on them.

30. Your Response to Change

Life never stays the same.

You can fight change or try to grow with it.

I’ve learned to take things one day at a time.

When I look at this list, I feel less overwhelmed and more hopeful.

There are always things in life you can control, even when it feels like everything is out of reach.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, pick one or two of these areas to start with.

Change doesn’t have to happen all at once.

Every small step you take counts.

I’m still working on these things myself, and that’s okay.

We’re all learning as we go.

Take your time, be kind to yourself, and remember that you have more power than you might believe.