Set a Vision for the Future.
When life feels like it’s falling apart, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. But taking ownership starts with looking beyond the current struggle. Reflect on the bigger picture and set a vision for the future. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse reminds us that even in the hardest times, God has a plan for our lives—a plan that is filled with hope and purpose. Create a vision for the future that aligns with that truth, and trust that this season is part of a bigger picture.
Give Yourself Grace.
One of the hardest things to do when life is tough is give yourself mercy when you miss the mark. During tough times, it’s natural to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even like you’re failing. But taking ownership means treating yourself with the same care and empathy you would offer a friend. Jesus reminds us to love ourselves as we love others: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39). Most people do not love ourselves well and some of us are capable of extending mercy to someone we deeply love, but find it difficult to be kind to ourselves and forgive ourself when we mess up and acknowledge that we are doing the best we can in what may be a difficult circumstance. You need to understand that God’s grace is sufficient for you, even in moments of weakness. “But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
See Challenges as Opportunities to Grow.
When you are in a season that brings the unexpected, you are also capable of massive amounts of growth, but only if you choose to see challenges as opportunities. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3). And instead of viewing that difficult thing as the ultimate setback, what if you chose to see it as a refining process. I have seen God use my own challenges to develop perseverance, character, and faith in my life. And when you face things that are not easy and even unexpected, remind yourself that God is working through you and has a desire to shape you into the person He has called you to be. When the enemy things he is setting you up to fail, God is setting you up to win!
Take The Right Steps, Even When It’s Hard.
Ownership means taking responsibility for your own actions, no matter how tough things get. When life feels out of control, it’s easy to shut down and stay where you have always been or worse. But through taking small, consistent positive actions—even when they feel insignificant— You are actually taking back your control and momentum. The Bible encourages us to act in faith: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17). Even in the hardest seasons, take steps towards what you CAN do to make things better, these are steps of faith— and whether it’s praying, reaching out for help, or simply honoring God when others do not. These seemingly small acts of obedience and trust will help you take steps forward into the possibilities God has in your future.
Lead Yourself.
We must lead ourself with integrity, resilience, and choose a mindset of growth. By leading yourself to do your best, when the worsts are happening – And you choose to honor God no matter what in your thoughts, emotions and actions, you begin to build your inner strength and attitude that will shape your outcomes. The Bible speaks of the importance of self-discipline and perseverance: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). When life is difficult, press forward toward the person you are becoming, the person God made you to be. You can stand in your values and set a strong foundation for your life, so that you can stand, no matter the storms that come your way.
Get Around The Right People.
While you are personally responsible to lead yourself, you don’t have to do it alone. It is vital to recognize that who you are is built from the voices you listen to and the company you keep. And when you need help and you are looking for someone to lean on — You must ask yourself, are the people around me living a life I admire and do they have things I want to learn from? Taking ownership for your life and leading yourself also includes asking yourself if you are around the right people. Do they have similar or the same values? Do they want to be their best for God? Have you even thought about who you intentioanlly listen to or spend your time with? Because if your life isn’t better because they are around and you are not inspired to grow – You may be around the wrong people. The Bible tells us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). I don’t know about you, but I want to be around people who I can not only trust, but that I can learn from and be inspired by. You are not meant to go through life, or take on hard times, or carry your burdens alone. God wants us to have people around us that we can look to for encouragement and strength, people that will stand with us and pray with us during tough times.