The Universe is an orderly and perfect place, governed by a set of unbreakable laws. As is true with the physical laws of nature (gravity, action / reaction etc.), Universal Laws apply to everyone and everything, at all times - there are no exceptions - whether you know about them or not.

In fact, there are more than one hundred and fifty of these laws, but there are seven core laws from which all the others originate. In this article, we will focus on the first of the core seven laws - the Law of Control.

When asked to articulate the most important thing to achieve in life, the overwhelming response is simply 'peace of mind'. Self-esteem and self worth are two of the most important factors in achieving peace of mind and in leading a happy and successful life. Individuals, who have high levels of self-esteem and self worth, live their lives in accordance with the Law of Control.

So, what exactly is the Law of Control? The Law of Control simply states that an individual will have high levels of self-esteem and will feel positive about themselves, to the exact degree they feel in control of their destiny, decisions and life.

Individuals who live by the Law of Control are proactive. They make their own circumstances and accept personal responsibility for each and every situation - good or bad. These individuals never accept that they are the victim of something that someone else has done to them. These people are internally directed - in other words, their decisions are their own, based on their specific value set and core beliefs.

Because they make decisions based on their core beliefs and values, they never blame, explain or complain. These activities are a waste of precious energy, so rather than fall into the trap of the "blame game", they just set about changing whatever it is they don't like.

These folks always know that they have choices, which is the key to being in control! We all have the ability to make our own choices - whether we know it or not!

The truly sad thing is that the majority of people do not live by the Law of Control. They relinquish control of their lives to outside forces. They do not live life; life is simply something that happens to them.

Do you live by the Law of Control? To determine the answer, simply ask yourself these three questions, and be brutally honest with your responses:

1. Do I make things happen, or do things just happen to me?

2. Do I make decisions that are right for me because that's what I want, or do I make decisions that are aimed at pleasing others or because that's what is expected of me?

3. Do I feel stress or do I feel trapped as the result of demands that others are placing on me?

Your responses will be a clear indication as to whether you live by the Law of Control or by its inverse, the Law of Accident.

If you want to be happy, successful and have peace of mind, then take control of your life. Determine your own set of values and core beliefs, and then live by them. Accept personal responsibility for everything that has happened, or that will happen, in your life. If there is something that you don't like or that is causing you grief, change it. Get out of the victim mode and above all, never forget that you always have choices.