Somebody once said: “It is you who must be the relentless architect of your own unique possibilities.” As business owners, we’ve made a choice to be the masters of our own destiny. But, over time, it’s easy for that tight grip you once had on your life to loosen. Before you know it, you’re no longer living a life of choice, but one of chance, dictated by factors out of your control.

So, how can you go about wrestling back some of that control? Like most things you want to change, it starts with some small but significant steps. Sasha Rowen, founder and CEO of Rivvly, which provides entrepreneurs with virtual assistance, offers a nice starting point for business owners to regain some control.

In an article for Forbes, she gave the following advice:

Be aware of your strengths

Sometimes as a business owner, you feel obliged to give everything a go, even if it doesn’t play to your strengths. But, in doing so, you’re not making the most of your time, and you’re spreading yourself too thin.

It might not feel like a natural thing to do, but sit down and think about where you bring value. As Rowen puts it: “Knowing your value – what you are capable of – allows you to be useful and keeps you from being used and manipulated.”

Set yourself personal goals

While you’re sat down writing your unique added value, think about what you want to achieve – in the short, medium and long term. Then consider how well these personal goals align with the trajectory of the business.

Often we find that a business owner’s vision has become out of step with the rhythm of their company. In other words, they’re wanting to go in one direction while the business is going in the other – sometimes it’s not quite as obvious as that, but there are signs that something is out of alignment.

Get inspired

If you want to take back control of your destiny, you’ve got to be inspired, because it’s not going to happen without due effort. Surround yourself with things and people that will inspire you to get back on the track that you should be on.

That might mean simply putting photos up in your office of your nearest and dearest as a reminder that you should be spending more time with them. Or seeking support from someone who can inspire you to make a change. Find what works for you.

If you think you’d benefit from speaking with someone who can see things from your perspective, get in contact for an initial chat.