Is there anything you would regret after you pass away? Based on the choices you made, would you be satisfied with all you accomplished? Would you be proud of the person you’ve become? Do you really know why you are responsible for how your life turns out?
“I’m the master of my fate,
the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley
Henley, the poet, declares his sovereignty over fate and his soul in these final two lines from “Invictus”. The first line implies that one has power over their destiny. What works for you is dependent on how you make it work. The last line continues to liken the soul to a ship. A captain is in charge of a ship. Hence, like a captain controls the ship, one’s actions, not predestination, determine the course that the soul takes. What makes the writer say this, though?
Diagnosed with bone tuberculosis at 12, he had to have his left leg amputated when he was 16 years old. After some time, he developed a problem in his second leg. When he sought treatment, he was informed that the same surgery would be needed. However, he made the decision to go to Edinburgh to hire the renowned English physician Joseph Lister. After several operations, his right leg was saved from amputation by Lister. When he was getting better at the hospital, Henley was inspired to compose the “Invictus”.
Invictus means “undefeated” or “invincible” in Latin. The theme of this poem is maintaining bravery through life’s ordeals, even in the face of death. It powerfully portrays never losing hope no matter what the circumstances are. Henley wrote this poem as a reflection of his personal journey through the chaos.
While serving a 27-year prison sentence on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela read this poem to other inmates to give them motivation. Congressman John Lewis reportedly used to repeat the poem as a child as he sought inspiration from it. Oddly, Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, cited this poem in his last words just before he was executed.
How straight has your life’s journey been? Do you bend or raise your head high when you bleed? How frequently do you tell yourself that your soul is invincible? Do you even control your own destiny? Are you the lord of your own soul? This quote can truly assist you in making a difference in your life. Learn how and why you are responsible for the outcome of your life.
Understand what influences Your Actions
Indeed, it is a long list of outside factors that may affect when, how, and why you might take an action.
There are unkind, annoying, disrespectful, and manipulative individuals in everyone’s lives. Regardless of how hard you work, they will mistreat, ridicule, castigate, and disregard you.
There are interpersonal elements such as your social support system and religious ties. There are personal factors such as personality traits and general dispositions. There are rules, regulations, and structures existing in the community and workplace. Although you might not be able to fully avoid these, you can choose how you let them influence you.
Taking control of your existence does not imply that you are in total control of what takes place. It entails moving ahead with your aims and objectives while accepting change as a necessary aspect of life. Even when things do not go according to your plan, you feel resilient and versatile.
You are in charge of your life when you accept responsibility for every part of it. You possess the ability to direct the trajectory of your life. Your efforts are coordinated and your vision is quite strong. When you take charge of your life, you are able to make decisions about your goals without outside interference.
Keep in mind that you will give up pointing fingers. You are ultimately responsible for all of your choices. Therefore, you must personally accept any consequences, whether favourable or unfavourable.
Understand You Have That Power in You
YOU alone have the power to alter your course in life. If you want to increase your income, for example, whining won’t do any good. You need to grab the pen and rewrite your situation. Will you attend a school? Will you submit an application for a different position? Will you spend your spare time on a side hustle? How can YOU set up the reality you want?
Fear can have you paralyzed. Anxiety can set in. Your purpose can be completely swayed by overwhelming confusion. Regardless, the only person you become is the person you choose to be.
Many people approach life with a “what will be, will be” mentality. However, when you conceive life as something you can intentionally manage, you take calculated steps to forge the future you want. Acknowledge firmly that you are the one in charge. You have the power to build whatever you desire out of the opportunities life gives you.
Develop Self-Mastery
Mastery means having a high level of proficiency in a domain. However, the highest form of mastery is self-mastery. This implies fully becoming the master of yourself. It means comprehending who you are and understanding that you are the universe. You are true to yourself in words and deeds. You develop complete awareness of your ideas, emotions, and behaviour.
The ability to control your own thoughts, feelings, words, and actions can affect your life. You are able to make choices based on reason rather than emotional impulses. You can build your life with discipline, determination, and focus. You possess the self-belief and self-control necessary to act in a deliberate and purposeful manner.
Clarity is also an advantage. Self-mastery teaches you to be aware of your calling. You’re able to advance toward your goals more easily.
Self-mastery is a journey; when you start, it never ends. The process is what matters. It can be compared to going to the gym. You become stronger by going frequently. You will start to lose strength and muscle if you stop going. It is worthwhile.
Define a Plan of Action
Do you desire to accomplish your ambition? What is your best strategy to handle the difficulties and obstacles along the way? A potent plan of action. If you didn’t know, “to fail to plan is to plan to fail”.
You prepare for upcoming challenges and stay on track by planning. Understand precisely what you want to achieve. Outline all the steps that must be taken and set the due dates for each one. Your motivation and commitment to the task will increase if your goals are defined in detail.
You should also monitor your advancement. Highlight your progress towards some goals that have been completed. This reveals what’s unfinished and where you are delayed. You may, then, identify the cause and come up with workable solutions. You may also update your plans if need be.
Whether your goal is professional, personal or commercial, you can establish a clear road to achievement. Remain consistent and without hesitation, even when the results do not materialize immediately. Don’t give up, rather keep going.
Remember to celebrate once you reach key milestones. It may not be your final road yet but you have come a long way. This serves as fuel to enable you to travel a little further.
The Amazing Outcomes You can get
Every single person has dreams, yet only a small percentage get them fulfilled. Nothing is more satisfying than having the life you’ve always desired. Whatever wish you have can come true.
You must, however, discipline yourself to think positively. Do not concentrate on why you shouldn’t even try. As you journey to your destination, assist others. Helping others succeed when pursuing your dreams can be more fulfilling. It is a lot of fun. It keeps you inspired to keep going.
When you begin to pursue your goals and all the pieces finally come together, it can be magical. You will experience a tremendous level of inner peace. You start to have a completely different perspective on the world that is dissimilar from that of an average man. In your circle will be those you once looked up to as your idols.
After achieving your dreams, the stress and frustrations you went through will fade away. Even the emotional impact of the challenges will be forgotten, only the memories will remain. You get more motivated to accomplish even more. You unlock a newer level of self-confidence that makes you want to experiment with new things in pursuit of greatness.
Final Words
“I’m the master of my fate,
the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley
Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own life. Decide where you want to go. Decide when to use the gear and in what direction to turn the wheel. Only you have the authority to choose who you want to be. Stay focused on your purpose. You will undoubtedly encounter obstacles, but trust the process and keep your eyes on the prize. Continually strive to exceed your own expectations.
Have it ingrained on the tablet of your mind: YOU are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul.
