How To Take Charge Of Your Own Life

William Johnson overcame poverty and racial prejudice to become a celebrated American artist. Here’s how to take charge of your own life.

“If it is to be, it is up to me.” This eloquent and deceptively simple quote is attributed to African-American painter William H. Johnson.

Born in South Carolina in 1901, Johnson overcame poverty, racial prejudice and a limited education to become one of America’s most celebrated artists.

Here’s how to take charge of your own life…

It’s good to have support, but don’t overdo it

To get what you want in life, it’s important to seek out help when you need it. Being around people who support and encourage you is always a good idea. But at the end of the day, you need to take responsibility for your own life.

Being overly reliant on others takes away your personal power. Once you get into the habit of being dependent upon the actions or views of someone else, you restrict yourself to what they can do for you.

For example, “I really wanted to start my own business, but my dad reckons it’s too risky” or, “I’d like to do a philosophy course this year, but my best friend doesn’t want to do it with me”.

Don’t blame others

Sometimes we can get trapped into playing the blame game when things don’t work out the way we might want.

Missed out on that promotion at work? It’s my boss’s fault – he doesn’t like me.

Struggling to save for a deposit on a house? It’s the government’s fault house prices are so high.

Can’t seem to lose weight? It’s my family’s fault – they don’t give me enough time for an exercise regime.

Don’t let yourself think that your happiness and your dreams are in the hands of outside forces. Know what your goals are, and find ways to achieve them.

Seek out support and advice, maybe from a life coach, but always take ownership of your plans. 

There is power in taking charge of your life

How you live your life and what you get out of it is ultimately up to you. Other people will let you down. Stuff will happen that will knock your confidence and upset your plans.

Achieving big goals will never be easy. But if you believe in yourself and take charge of your own destiny, you’ll be rewarded with a purposeful and fulfilling life.

And always remember those ten two-letter words “If it is to be, it is up to me”.