Taking Control of Your Life When the World is in Chaos

When life spirals, there are days when even the smallest things can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there myself, feeling stretched and exhausted, wondering how I could possibly keep going. Taking control of your life when the world is in chaos may seem like an impossible task, but it’s often in the most challenging moments that our true strength emerges.

For me, chaos wasn’t just a season - it was years. I was working a demanding job as a single parent, supporting my young son through his own challenges, and helping my mother as her needs increased. I’d volunteer in the community through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, swim team, church - you name it, I was involved. There were days it felt like I was being pulled in every direction, like being quartered in medieval times. I’d go from one fire to the next, with no stopping. This wasn’t for a week, Brave one; this was my life.

I was running on empty, and when I tried to express it - saying, “I’m tired” or “I’m stressed” - I was ridiculed. I’d hear, “What do you have to be tired about?” or “What could you be stressed about?” That dismissal crushed me, and I found myself turning off my emotions, becoming robotic just to make it through. Some days, even a minute felt like a lifetime. I started experiencing medical issues, adding doctors’ visits and tests to the already overwhelming list. My heart ached, literally and figuratively. I was put on medication to sleep, to ease my anxiety, and ultimately told to “suck it up.”

But I knew - deep down - that wasn’t life. It felt more like survival, if not a little like hell. And it was there, in that depth, that I found the resolve to start making changes. Slowly but surely, I took steps - some small, others more significant - that eventually led me back to peace, sanity, and even joy.

Here’s what I learned about taking control of your life and how you can do it too.

Part 1: Focus on What You Can Control

When everything around you seems chaotic, begin by identifying what you can control. I had to learn that my energy was too precious to waste on things I couldn’t influence. By shifting my focus to things within my grasp, I started reclaiming my power.

Take Control of Your Mind

In the midst of it all, your mind is your sanctuary. Set boundaries on what you let in - limit the news, curate your social media, surround yourself with what brings you peace. Breathing exercises became my anchor during my storm; just a few deep breaths would remind me, “I am here. I am present.”

Want to learn more about protecting your energy, read my post: Protecting Your Energy: How to Get Back to Feeling Like Yourself Again

Part 2: Time Is Your Anchor

Time became my most valuable ally. Taking control of your time means protecting it fiercely, like the lifeline it is. Start by identifying your “non-negotiables” - those small rituals that give you a sense of order and calm. Maybe it’s a morning coffee or a quiet walk. For me, it was simply finding a few moments to myself amidst the chaos.

Eight Ways to Take Control of Your Life through Time Management

Time management gave me structure - a place to stand while everything else shifted.

Part 3: Empowering Actions for Lasting Control

When things are out of control, we often react rather than act. To shift from surviving to thriving, focus on empowering actions. I crafted a morning routine that gave me a sense of calm and clarity before the day started spinning.

Build Your Own Power Routine

Select three small but meaningful actions to start your day. For me, it was a quick stretch, setting a daily intention, and writing down one thing I was grateful for. This “power routine” grounded me, helping me face each day with a little more control.

Part 4: Boundaries in Relationships

One of the hardest lessons was learning to set boundaries with others. If you’re feeling as though others are controlling your life, it may be time to reassess how much you’re giving to relationships. Begin by communicating what you need clearly, openly, and unapologetically.

Taking Back Control of Your Relationships

Setting boundaries felt like reclaiming parts of myself I’d given away.

Part 5: Adaptability is Key

Chaos has a way of pushing us to our limits. Resilience doesn’t mean never feeling stress; it means finding ways to cope and stay grounded. I started to see obstacles as challenges rather than roadblocks, building flexibility into my life and mindset.

Practice Flexibility in Your Mindset

Every obstacle became an opportunity to adapt. I’d visualize myself moving gracefully through challenges, keeping my focus on the things that mattered most.

Want to learn more about resilience check my LinkedIn Article: Managing Stress in a Busy Life

Part 6: Reconnect with Your Purpose

In all the noise, reconnecting with what truly matters became my guiding light. Taking control of your life often means finding your purpose and letting it lead the way.

Identify Your Core Values

Family, growth, and service anchored me. When you’re clear on your values, you’re able to say “yes” to what aligns with them - and “no” to what doesn’t. This clarity alone can cut through chaos, grounding you with each decision.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Life When the World is in Chaos

Taking control of your life when the world feels like it’s falling apart isn’t about eliminating chaos; it’s about creating routines, mindsets, and boundaries that keep you steady. By focusing on what you can control, managing your time with care, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with your “why,” you can navigate the storm with strength and purpose.

Here’s the thing - I didn’t get there by doing it alone. I had a really good therapist (still see him to this day), found an excellent holistic doctor, brought on a life coach when I started exploring life beyond my corporate role, and leaned on a circle of supportive friends. Each piece of support helped me reclaim control and build a life that truly felt like my own.

If any part of my journey resonates with you, and you’re ready to step into a life aligned with your values, resilient enough to bounce back, and filled with peace, joy, and purpose, I’d be honored to help you on your path. You can apply to work with me 1:1 or join my next Phoenix Rising Group Coaching program, which kicks off on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Remember, Brave soul - even in the whirlwind, you have the power to pause, breathe, and reclaim your life on your terms.

P.S.: Let’s connect on LinkedIn - join me there for more insights and tips daily on your journey to a life you truly love!

#TakeControl #LifeBalance #SelfEmpowerment