Think about the times you've been the most frustrated. Maybe it was when your boss failed to see the brilliance of an idea you had or when you weren't recognized for your contribution. Your boss was in charge and had the final say, and there was nothing you could do about it.

Maybe it was when you and a family member or loved one had a disagreement. No matter what you said, you couldn't change their mind or make them see it from your perspective.

Or maybe it was in a legal situation where you had to appear in court or pay a fine. Again, the government had control over your actions and there was nothing you could do about it. The IRS causes millions of people stress every year!

Finally, if you've ever felt unsafe, then you know firsthand the stress caused by feeling powerless.

Whenever another person is in a position to make a decision without your approval, stress will naturally occur. And while you'll want to treat your loved ones with respect, and pay your taxes, you don't have to settle for having a stressful work life.

For example, why should you have to ask permission to take time off? You are an adult, and you can make your own decisions. If you have a great idea, why should you have to ask for permission to pursue it? You believe in your idea, and that is all that matters.

Part of becoming successful is taking control of your life. Most people are like a leaf blowing in the wind; they are totally at the mercy of the forces around them. They spend their life reacting to the events around them, avoiding pain wherever possible.

Successful people, on the other hand, don't react to events around them. They create the events in their life that they want. Instead of moving away from pain, they move toward what they want.

They are in control of their work life, because they went to work for themselves! They started their own business, and became their own boss. This is the secret to taking control of your work life.

The beauty of owning your own business is that it is all up to you. Whether the business succeeds or fails is entirely in your hands. You get all the credit, or all the blame, but at least it is up to you. The alternative is luck. If the forces around you see fit to bring fortune right into your lap, so be it. But for most this will never happen. If you want something, it's up to you to go out an get it.

Don't react to events, create them.

Don't move away from what you don't want, move toward what you do want.

Take control of your work life, and you'll one step closer to a stress free life of fulfillment.