I have a strong desire for control. As mentioned earlier, I need to impose order on the perceived chaos of my life. This need for control often manifests as an attempt to micromanage my surroundings, and sometimes, even the actions of others.

This micromanaging tendency comes from a deep-seated anxiety. I feel things will go wrong if I don’t personally oversee every detail. It’s a way of trying to minimize uncertainty and prevent potential disasters.

I might become overly focused on the details of a project. I insist that things be done in a very specific way. I become anxious when others deviate from my plans. I might also try to control the behavior of others. I offer unsolicited advice. I try to influence their decisions. I become frustrated when they don’t conform to my expectations.

A certain level of organization and attention to detail can be helpful. However, micromanaging can become problematic when it becomes excessive. It can also infringe on the autonomy of others. It can create a stifling environment, lead to resentment, and prevent others from developing their own skills and abilities.

And it’s not exactly healthy for me, either. It creates a constant sense of stress and anxiety, as I try to control things that are inherently uncontrollable. It can also lead to a lack of trust in others and a difficulty in delegating tasks or sharing responsibilities.

Learning to let go of the need to micromanage is an ongoing challenge. It requires trusting others to handle things in their own way. Accepting that some level of chaos is inevitable is also part of the process. It involves recognizing that control is an illusion. I acknowledge that things will not always go according to plan. However, I still survive and even thrive in the midst of uncertainty.