Charged Up: The Power of Control!

Today’s Topics

• The Illusion of Control 🤡

• Power Hungry 💪

  4 Mins Read Time

The Illusion of Control 🤡

By Jo

Do you feel the need to control everything around you? Let’s be honest—control serves a purpose. It can help create structure, give us a sense of safety, and fuel our ambitions. But when left unchecked, this need for control can become a double-edged sword, hurting not only ourselves but also those around us.

Ask yourself: what impact does your desire for control have on the people in your life? Does it foster growth and collaboration, or does it burn bridges in the name of power? Being a control freak often stems from fear—fear of failure, unpredictability, or reliance on others. But what does it truly say about you? Maybe it signals ambition or a desire for order, but if it alienates those who care for you, what’s the point?

The truth is, you can’t control everything. Trying to do it all “solo dolo” might feel empowering in the moment, but it’s the quickest way to a dream deferred. No one achieves greatness entirely on their own. You need a team—a group of people who can guide you, motivate you, and provide the camaraderie that keeps the vision intact. They are the glue holding everything together when life feels like it’s falling apart.

Control has its place, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of trust and collaboration. Contributing to other people’s dreams along the way doesn’t diminish your power; it enhances it. It creates a network of mutual support and ensures that when your time of need comes, someone will be there to throw you a lifeline.

Letting go of the need to control every little detail doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means making room for others to bring their strengths to the table. It means recognizing that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Ask yourself: are you trying to steer everything to protect your vision, or are you open to building something bigger than yourself, together with others?

Control isn’t about power. It’s about balance. Find yours!!!!

Power Hungry 💪

By Marcus

"Note: This article is designed to challenge your perspective on power. Think of it as an exercise in reflection—an opportunity to explore how power operates in your life and how you use it."

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
-Lord Acton

You can probably think of a friend, family member, or associate who is either being controlled by someone or is the controller themselves. How do you view this person or their relationship?

Have you ever had a supervisor or boss who was consumed with power and only did things to benefit themselves? Power can be addictive and abused if the right circumstances are present. However, power can also be used for good.

There are a few reasons why a person might need to have power or authority over someone else. The most common is when someone’s mental or physical health has diminished their ability to make sound decisions. In these circumstances, it’s helpful for someone to have power over finances or health decisions for the well-being of others.

However, I’m sure you’ve personally known or heard stories of people who abused their power and took advantage of others. It’s an unfortunate reality.

Let’s focus on a few ways we can keep our power in check.

Responsibility
If you’re a leader (earned or self-promoted), you have a responsibility to others. How you manage yourself matters, as some will look up to you and depend on your guidance. What impression or example do you want to set for others?

Accountability
Is your word final, or are decisions open for discussion? Can you admit when you are wrong or have made the wrong decision? Can you be approached if there is an issue?

Magnifier
Similar to money, power can be a magnifier of who you are. What does how you use your power say about you?

Good Advisors
A great example of a good advisor is the character Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones. He was intelligent and skillfully positioned close to those in power. He didn’t fear being reprimanded and gave harsh input regardless of the consequences. Even if it’s behind closed doors, can you be criticized?

Do you have a Tyrion on your team?

Power Check
Who benefits most from the power you have? If you aspire for more power, why is that, and what are your motivations?

If the answer is you, was that your goal to begin with?

"The power to do good is also the power to do harm."
-Milton Friedman