Serious things rise up and shake your foundations. Little aggravations rain down on an otherwise great parade. Forrest Gump told us, “It happens.” When life rocks your world, it’s time to take command. Fix a steady eye on March 30, and get ready to celebrate I Am In Control Day. The day’s origins are odd even by our standards.
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was rushed to the hospital after a failed assassination attempt. His Secretary of State, Alexander Haig, infamously declared at the time, “As of now, I am in control.” It was a jaw-dropping statement that ignored constitutional succession to the presidency.
If I Am In Control Day was originally meant to mock Haig, the joke got lost somewhere over the years. Instead, March 30 has come to stand as a date for taking a stand. It is the day to look yourself in the eye and assert your authority over profound challenges and everyday annoyances.
Start with a pep talk. No one knows you better than the person staring back at you in the mirror. Count off your positive traits. Brag about your inner strength. Praise your natural talents. Become the ultimate manager of everything that taps into your quiet courage. Do all this without cracking up. When you’re done, have a good laugh, but think about how much better you feel.
You don’t need to conquer the world. You just need a confidence boost. Do something you’re really good at and follow up by doing something you’re afraid of. Ditch social media for 24 hours. Turn today into a turning point by ruling it. Relish that positive power, practice it every day.
You will know when it’s time to take another look in the mirror and ask, “Am I really in control?” Smile because the answer is yes. You are, and it feels good.