A Layman’s Look at What Really Drives Us
Have you ever noticed how, when life throws curveballs your way—maybe your finances take a hit, your dreams seem to evaporate overnight, or your kids make choices you just can’t understand—you end up asking yourself, “Am I even in charge here?” Most of us know that unsettling feeling, the sense that life is happening to us rather than being shaped by us. We crave a sense of order, peace, and the belief that things can get better, for ourselves and our families.
Dig a little deeper and you’ll see something interesting at work: beneath all our goals, worries, and plans, there’s a simple, universal desire—one we share with every person on earth. It’s the longing for power. But let’s be clear: we’re not talking about power as in controlling other people or getting our way at any cost. What we really want is the ability to influence our own circumstances, to steer our lives in a direction we choose, and to fix the problems that crop up along the way.
What Is Power, Really?
When people talk about wanting more money, a better job, or a bigger house, it’s easy to think they’re obsessed with material things. But if you look closer, they’re actually chasing something much more fundamental. Money, status, or success are just tools—what people truly want is the power these things can give them. Power, in this sense, means the ability to decide what you do, where you go, what you eat, and how you live. It’s about being able to shape your life instead of feeling trapped or helpless.
Think about it: a person dreaming of becoming a millionaire isn’t just after a pile of cash. What they’re really seeking is freedom—the freedom to choose, to live comfortably, to avoid worry, and to create possibilities for themselves and their loved ones. The poorest person and the richest person both want this power. It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO running a global corporation or a parent managing a busy household; everyone wants to feel like they have a say in their own life.
The Universal Struggle for Control
This desire for control plays out in countless ways. Globally, we see nations grappling with issues like poverty, war, and environmental crises, often struggling to find solutions that really work. On a personal level, we wrestle with setbacks and disappointments—sometimes feeling powerless, sometimes determined to make a change.
Why is this feeling of powerlessness so common? One reason is that so much of life is unpredictable. You can do everything right—work hard, save money, raise your kids with care—and still find yourself blindsided by circumstances beyond your control. When that happens, frustration sets in. We want to fix what’s broken, but it often seems like the tools we have aren’t enough.
Why We Admire the Powerful
Have you ever found yourself looking up to people who seem to have it all together—celebrities, leaders, athletes, or entrepreneurs? Part of the reason we admire them is that they appear to have mastered the art of control. They seem to influence their own destiny, overcome obstacles, and make things happen. Deep down, most of us wish we could do the same.
In fact, we often try to mimic their habits, attitudes, or choices, hoping some of that magic will rub off on us. We buy the products they endorse, read their books, watch their interviews, and try to apply their advice to our own lives. Sometimes, this helps us feel more hopeful and motivated. Other times, it leaves us feeling even more aware of the gap between our own reality and theirs.
The Pain of Powerlessness
It’s tough to admit, but feeling powerless can hurt. When we don’t have the influence to change our situation, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. It’s not just about money or status; it’s about the deeply human need to feel that we matter, that our choices make a difference, and that we’re not just passengers in our own lives.
This is why so many people are drawn to self-help books, motivational speakers, and programs that promise to help us “take control” of our lives. We want solutions. We want hope. We want to believe that change is possible if we just learn the right skills or adopt the right mindset.
Finding Power in Everyday Life
So, how do we actually gain more control over our lives? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but here are a few ideas in plain terms:
· Start Small: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by huge problems, but meaningful change often starts with small steps. Focus on what you can control—your daily habits, your attitude, your relationships.
· Learn and Grow: Knowledge is a form of power. The more you understand about yourself, your situation, and the world, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions and solve problems.
· Connect with Others: You don’t have to go it alone. Family, friends, and community can offer support, encouragement, and new perspectives. Sometimes, just talking things out can help you see solutions you hadn’t considered before.
· Accept What You Can’t Change: No one has total control. Recognizing the limits of your influence can actually be freeing—allowing you to focus your energy on the things that matter most.
· Take Action: Even small actions can restore a sense of agency. Set goals, make plans, and do something—even if it’s just one step—toward improving your situation.
Hope and Humanity
At its core, the desire for power is about hope. We hope for better days, for solutions to our problems, for a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. We put our faith in the noble qualities of humanity—kindness, courage, creativity—believing that these traits can help us overcome chaos and uncertainty.
It’s true that we can’t always fix everything. Some problems—in our lives or in the world—are bigger than any one person can solve. But by striving to influence our own circumstances, by supporting each other, and by nurturing hope, we can make a difference. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s worth taking.
Conclusion: Power Is More Than Control
Ultimately, the number one thing everyone wants—no matter where they come from or what their situation is—is power. But not power in the sense of domination or force. What we really seek is the ability to shape our own lives, face down setbacks, and build something better for ourselves and those we love.
So next time you feel powerless, remember: you’re not alone. This desire is universal. And while we may never have complete control, each of us has the potential to influence our life in meaningful ways—one small step at a time. That, in itself, is a kind of power worth striving for.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 