Have you ever wondered just how much control you really have over your life and business and their direction? I remember years ago thinking of all of the different forces and events that had affected my life, and wondering how much control I really had. I’m not sure of the exact moment when it finally dawned on me that I always have a choice, even if that choice is simply to change my perspective. Now, as I look back, that one realization changed my life.

I wake each day and acknowledge that my choices matter, and I love how empowering that one thought can be.

I recently read an article in businessinsider.com about “10 ways rich people think differently,”and I found one point particularly interesting. The question was whether or not they believe in fate. Of the wealthy people interviewed, only 10 percent said “yes” they believe in fate, while 90 percent of those interviewed who were considered poor answered “yes.” This prompted the statement, “rich people feel that they determine their path in life.”

As I thought about the benefits of thinking that we determine our path, it suddenly hit me – to say that fate is in control may take some of the pressure off of us at the time, but it’s also a motivation killer. When we believe that we determine our path, it gives us control.

Sure, being in control might be a little scary, but it can also be wildly empowering.

Empowering how, you ask? Think of each decision you make as one step and your goals are at the top of the stairs. As you make different choices you move closer to your goal. Now, you might be wondering what happens when you make a wrong decision. Well, here’s the trick: know what your goal is and what matters to you.

That’s right, if you know where you want to go and what you really care about, then making decisions that are right for you become easy.

Think of it this way, if you had to take a test and you didn’t know anything on the topic, then it would be pretty scary when you sat down and started answering questions. Now imagine that you’re an expert on the topic. Instead of fear, you are filled with confidence.

Knowing where you want to go and what you care about is just like being an expert … an expert in what you want, that is. Because when we know, really know, what our goals and values are, then we stop questioning whether our decisions are the right ones, and start gauging them by how they align with those goals and values.

The article also mentioned that wealthy people believe that good habits create what is called “opportunity luck.” I couldn’t agree more. The more you know what you want and what your values are, the more your decisions will revolve around those two pillars, and you just may find that the universe presents more opportunities to help you get to the top of those stairs.

So, do you want to increase your confidence, energy, motivation, and opportunities for success, and also make life a little easier by making your choices as empowering as they can be?