One of the most counterintuitive truths about illusion of control: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Illusion of Control Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of illusion of control
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking illusion of control is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging illusion of control without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing illusion of control to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for illusion of control while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Illusion of Control
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting illusion of control, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Illusion of Control
Many people find that when they stop fighting illusion of control and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of illusion of control is partly the struggle against it.