Have you ever felt powerless or immobilized? Have you ever felt that life has knocked the wind out of you? You are not alone in feeling this way. The universal answer to these questions is undoubtedly yes. When life throws you a curveball, it’s important to be prepared and not let it bring you down. So, how can you take back your power and still enjoy a happy and fulfilled life? Let’s discuss three ways to help you do just that.

1. Let go: Letting go is a concept that has been discussed by countless self-help gurus. You can let go of many things, such as an abusive relationship or a toxic friendship. However, the letting go I’m referring to here is even more intense. It may lead you to confront personal conflicts, but if you can successfully let go, it will set you free.

How can you achieve this freedom and regain your power? Start by letting go of your past. We often worry about the decisions we’ve made and wonder about the “what ifs.” What if I had taken that job? What if I hadn’t sold that house? What if I had asked that person for their number? These questions can consume our thoughts day and night. The truth is, though, that we have no control over our past actions and decisions.

To let go of your past, make a conscious decision to no longer be bound by your previous choices. It may be challenging because our minds tend to dwell on the past and pass judgments. Remember that your mind exists to serve you, not the other way around. Have a ceremony to symbolize the act of letting go. Write down the things in your past that have stolen your power, then set them on fire and watch them burn into oblivion. As the paper burns, say out loud, “Today, I am letting go of my past, and it will no longer have a hold on me!” Say it with conviction and truly believe what you are saying. You can also create your own ceremony. After making the decision to let go, be aware of any thoughts and feelings that arise. Don’t judge them or yourself; just observe them and decide not to engage with them. Creating this new habit takes repetition and time, but it will give you a sense of freedom and help you take back your power.

2. Create a compelling future: Now that you’ve let go of your past, it’s time to create a future that excites you. Start by figuring out what truly gets you excited and passionate. What makes your blood boil with enthusiasm? Take some time to write down a few things that get you going and ignite your inner fire. For example, you might be passionate about helping and influencing young people.

Next, ask yourself what opportunities exist for you to do more of these things. In the example above, you could give career speeches at local schools. Then, determine what you need to do to create more of these opportunities. For instance, you might need more time or to become self-employed. Imagine in detail what a day would be like doing the thing that excites you. Visualize the sights, smells, and textures involved in this future endeavor.

Once you have a clear vision of your compelling future, create an action plan to achieve it. Your actions should be specific, measurable, realistic, and time-bound. Continuously work on this action plan and feel the excitement grow day by day.

3. How do you see yourself? Another method to reclaim your power is to examine how you see yourself. This can be a delicate subject, as we tend to judge others more easily than we do ourselves. In many cases, feeling powerless is rooted in low self-esteem. So, how can you rebuild your self-esteem?

Start by taking stock of yourself. Ask yourself what you like about yourself, both internally and externally. Also, ask others what they appreciate about you. Then, think about one thing that you believe would boost your self-esteem. For example, you might realize that you need to start standing up for yourself.

To further enhance your self-esteem, analyze someone you admire who has great self-esteem, such as Oprah. Identify the qualities that person possesses that contribute to their self-assuredness. Make a list and compare it to the list you created about yourself. Take note of the areas where you lack the qualities that would boost your self-esteem.

Work on these areas one at a time, tackling one problem area and its associated qualities at a time. Share your journey with friends and ask for their feedback. Consistently building your self-esteem will help you navigate life with confidence and take back your power.

Remember, having self-esteem doesn’t mean you have the right to be vain or self-centered. Instead, it allows you to be true to yourself and follow your path. By consistently building your self-esteem, you’ll be able to face life’s challenges head-on and refuse to hide away in fear. You now have the tools to take back your power and reclaim a happy and fulfilling life. The choice to use these tools is up to you. Don’t let anything hold you back. Start today and take action to reclaim your power!