Control Your Mind

There are many things in life we can’t control—the economy, social media algorithms, other people’s (good and bad) choices. But one thing we should always control is our own mind.

Yet, many people have given up that control without even realizing it. Instead of thinking for themselves, they let outside influences—like the media, peer pressure, and social norms—shape their thoughts and beliefs. Basically, they’re handing over the keys to their brain like it’s a rental car.

How We Lose Control of Our Own Thinking

At first, it happens in small ways. Maybe you start letting social media tell you what success should look like (spoiler: it’s always an expensive car and a beach house). You believe something just because “everyone else” does, without stopping to ask if it actually makes sense. Over time, this habit grows, and before you know it, you’re no longer deciding what to think—you’re just reacting to what others say. Like a puppet. But with WiFi.

When you stop questioning what you hear and see, you lose your ability to think independently. Instead of making choices based on your own values, you follow the crowd. Instead of analyzing information, you absorb it without a second thought. And in the end, you become someone who is easily influenced rather than someone who leads their own life. Congratulations, you’ve become a background character in your own story. And a bad actor at the same time.

The Problem With Letting Others Think for You

When you give up control over your mind, it doesn’t just affect your opinions—it changes how you live. You might find yourself always chasing approval, afraid to make decisions without reassurance. Your emotions may take over, making it harder to think clearly. You may even feel stuck, unsure of what you truly want because you’ve spent so much time following what others expect.

Social media makes this even worse. Platforms are designed to capture your attention and keep you engaged, often by showing you things that trigger strong emotions. It’s like a never-ending reality show where the drama never stops, and you’re the unwilling contestant. If you don’t take control of your own thoughts, you’ll end up being led by algorithms instead of your own logic and reasoning. And trust me, the algorithm doesn’t care about your best interests—it just wants you scrolling until your phone battery cries for help.

How to Take Back Control of Your Mind

The good news? You can regain control over your own thinking. It just takes practice and awareness. Here’s where to start:

• Question What You Hear: Don’t accept everything at face value. Ask yourself: Is this true? Where is this information coming from? (And if the answer is "some guy on Twitter," maybe dig a little deeper.)
• Think for Yourself: Form your own opinions instead of just repeating what you see online or hear from others. Your brain is not a parrot—use it.
• Limit Outside Influence: Be mindful of what you consume, from news to social media. Make sure it adds value to your life instead of manipulating your emotions. If an article makes you irrationally angry within three seconds, it’s probably designed to do that.
• Regulate Your Emotions: Don’t let feelings like fear or frustration control your choices. Stay logical and focused on what really matters. Also, deep breaths help—unless you’re in a room full of scented candles, then proceed with caution.
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There will always be people and systems trying to shape the way you think. But at the end of the day, you decide whether to let them. Thinking independently is a choice—and it’s one that leads to real freedom. And let’s be honest, being in control of your own mind is way cooler than being controlled by a bunch of invisible forces who don’t even know your name.