It seems everywhere we look there’s someone telling you to do this or don’t do that. And when it comes to living your life, there’s more than enough advice to be given whether you want it or not.

So you head to the personal development section of the bookstore or library or start doing some research online. And what hits you is an overwhelming wave of information. It can be a little hard to deal with at first.

So we’ve compiled this mini course for you on taking back control of your life. They’re practical, adaptable for each person, and it’s what all gurus and experts touch on.

If you’ve got anything to add, drop us a comment below!

Step 1: Unlock Your Unique Abilities

The first step is to figure out who you are and what special talents do you bring into this world. If you’re inclined to say you don’t have any talent, you’re dead wrong. Everyone’s unique in terms of what they offer. Sometimes it’s just a little hard to see.

As a starter, check out this article, 9 Questions To Unlock Your Unique Abilities from FreedomEducation.ca to get you going. It’s an introspective exercise that’ll help you discover a new side to you.

Step 2: Move Out Of Your Comfort Zone

You won’t grow unless you force yourself to. And it’s not always going to be comfortable. In fact some of the best personal growth comes from doing things you’re afraid of or nervous to do. But once you breach this barrier, your comfort zone will grow and grow until you can do anything.

To give you some inspiration and support have a read through this quick but insightful article, How to Move Out of Your Comfort Zone. And for a really great video, check out Brian Wong’s inspiring presentation to a huge group of teenagers on your Discomfort Zone.

Step 3: Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve

We all want to set huge goals. And there’s no reason why we shouldn’t. But the problem is that sometimes we set goals incorrectly. We tend to think of goals as these achievements that we can only enjoy in the future. But what about the process? Will setting Goal X benefit you right this very moment? It’s time to think of the present.

This is why I love this article from Steve Pavlina, How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve. It discusses the way we think of goals and why we set ourselves up for failure. It’s not about how big the goal is, but how you perceive the goal in the present moment. Or check out this presentation Vishen did on goal setting which has got the whole team to become huge goal setters — Achieve your dream life in Reverse: Strategic Goal-Setting in 4 Parts.

Step 4: Self-Discipline

I know this word strikes fear in many people’s hearts. It’s an icky word but it’s something everyone needs. Nothing was ever completed without self-discipline. As soon as you make it a value in your life, your goals will come to you faster. You’ll also feel better about yourself and more accomplished. New goals and habits won’t seem so hard to you anymore.

For great insight, check out How To Have More Self-Discipline by Penelope Trunk. It goes through the link between self-discipline and happiness and how having discipline in one area will automatically lead to discipline in another area.

Step 5: Find Your Dream Career

Alright, this is where things can get a little tricky. Up until now it’s all been about you, you, you. Now we’re branching out into a whole new circle. All of the social conditioning we’ve received has been this: get a job, go to work, time = money. But that might not be so true anymore.

This step really depends on your personality and what you want out of life. Do you want to work for someone else and be part of a company? Or do you want to work for yourself? So here are two articles to help you weigh your pros and cons. One is by Steve Pavlina and it’s called 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job. Brilliant way to look at things. Even if you’re planning on working for a company, read this anyway.

The other article is How To Get A Job By Thinking Outside Of The Box from The Digerati Life. There are some really amazing businesses to work for these days. You just have to find them. There’s nothing wrong with working for a company. I do and I love my job. Just make sure their values and vision are aligned with yours.

Step 6: Keep Your Energy Up

Now to do all of these steps you’re gonna need some energy. And we’re not talking about just eating a healthy breakfast. So do what you need to do to keep yourself refreshed, rejuvenated, happy, and brimming with energy. This could mean going for a jog, meditating, or chilling with close friends.

Here’s a great article on how to keep your vibration up. It’s called Unusual Ways To Raise Vibration and you’re definitely going to have some fun with these ideas.

We know you have something to say, so don’t be shy and let us know what you’re thinking about in the comments below.