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CTL-VII-0016

“I realized I was trying to control things because I was afraid.”

CTL · Pillar III — Control CTL-VII · Own Only What Is Yours

Recognizing fear as the driver is real progress. Over-controlling is usually a fear response — not a solution. When you stop managing what isn't yours, you can address the actual fear underneath.

Your Practice

Name the actual fear — not what you were controlling, but what you were afraid of. Write it down specifically. Then ask: what is one thing I can actually do about this fear, rather than trying to manage everything around it?

The Architects

“Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion, movement towards a thing, desire, aversion; and in a word, whatever are our own acts.”

— Epictetus, Enchiridion, ch. I (George Long translation)

More under CTL-VII

CTL-VII-0001“I'm obsessing over something I can't control.”CTL-VII-0002“My anxiety is through the roof and I can't shut my brain off.”CTL-VII-0003“I stopped worrying about what people think and I feel lighter.”CTL-VII-0004“I let go of something I couldn't control and found peace.”CTL-VII-0005“I finally accepted that not everything is my responsibility.”CTL-VII-0006“Someone I trusted let me down badly.”
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