What if the key to your dreams is one mindset shift away?
Neville Goddard’s words, “I am no longer at the cause—I am the cause,” could be the mindset shift that unlocks our ability to turn dreams into reality.
Life often feels like a chain of cause and effect.
Sometimes it seems like we’re just reacting to whatever’s going on around us, getting swept up by things outside our control.
That can leave us feeling stuck, frustrated, or even a little helpless.
But when we shift from simply watching life happen to actively making things happen—from being
“at the cause” to becoming “the cause”—everything changes.
This shift is about reclaiming our sense of responsibility and agency, transforming not just our perspective, but our reality.
At the Cause
When we live “at the cause,” we tend to be reactive.
We often credit our successes or failures to things outside of us—our environment, other people, or circumstances.
It’s a mindset that leans on blame and seeks validation from the outside world.
For example, we might say:
“I didn’t achieve my goals because the timing wasn’t right.”
“I’m unhappy because of how others treat me.”
Even if there’s some truth to these statements, they reflect a limited mindset.
By focusing on external causes, we let go of our power to change the situation.
What Happens When We Don’t Take Control of Our Lives
Feeling Powerless – Life feels out of your control, and you’re just reacting instead of making things happen.
More Stress – You get anxious and frustrated when you feel like nothing is up to you.
Stuck in Place – No growth because you’re not taking action.
Blaming Others – It’s easy to blame people or situations for your problems.
Bad Relationships – Blaming or depending on others too much pushes them away.
Low Confidence – You doubt yourself when you’re not in control.
Missed Chances – Fear or waiting too long means you miss great opportunities.
Money Problems – Poor planning and lack of responsibility can lead to financial struggles.
No Purpose – Life feels aimless without goals or direction.
Regret – You’ll always wonder “what if” when you don’t take action.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay at the cause, reacting to everything life throws your way. You can choose to be the cause—the one who takes control, makes decisions, and shapes your own future.
Let’s dive into how you can make that shift and reclaim your power.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl
I Am the Cause
When we declare, “I am the cause,” we take responsibility for our lives.
This doesn’t mean we can control everything, but it means we can control how we react. Our choices, attitude, and actions help shape what happens next.
This mindset helps us grow and stay strong because we see challenges as chances to learn, not as problems we can’t overcome.
When you choose to be the cause, endless possibilities open up. Taking charge of your choices and actions helps you achieve what matters most to you.
Goals That Come from Being the Cause
Financial Independence – Managing your money wisely so you don’t have to depend on others.
Career Success – Taking charge of your future by working smart and going after opportunities.
Health – Staying healthy by choosing good food, exercising, and getting enough rest.
Strong Relationships – Building good friendships by putting in effort and communicating well.
Personal Growth – Learning new things and improving yourself because you want to grow.
Emotional Strength – Handling stress and challenges by taking care of your mental health.
Freedom to Choose – Making your own decisions based on what matters to you.
Helping Others – Making a difference in your community by taking action.
Creative Expression – Creating things you love now instead of waiting for the “perfect moment.”
Adventure – Trying new things and exploring life by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Time Management – Controlling how you spend your time so it fits your goals.
Reaching these goals doesn’t happen by luck—it happens when you become the cause and take action.
3 Practical Steps to Becoming the Cause
The steps below ask for an honest look at your thoughts, habits, and beliefs. Are you blaming external factors for your circumstances, or are you taking intentional steps to shape your life?
This kind of reflection can be uncomfortable—it means facing areas where you’ve been complacent or avoided responsibility. But it’s a crucial step toward true empowerment.
Step 1: Cultivate Self-Awareness
Reflect on your thoughts, habits, and beliefs.
Identify areas where you’ve blamed external factors.
Take responsibility for your current circumstances.
Key Action: Regularly journal or reflect on what’s holding you back and where you can take more ownership.
Step 2: Shift Your Mindset
Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
Replace victim-based thinking with empowerment.
Transform limiting beliefs by focusing on lessons learned from past experiences.
For example, reframe “I can’t succeed because of X” to “X has prepared me to succeed because of the lessons it taught me.”
Key Action: Practice daily affirmations that reinforce your agency, such as “I have the power to shape my life.”
Step 3: Take Consistent Action
Set clear goals and break them down into actionable steps.
Establish boundaries, maintain discipline, and embrace discomfort.
Build routines that support your growth and reinforce your role as the cause.
Key Action: Create a weekly plan that outlines specific actions you’ll take to stay proactive.
By committing to these steps, you’ll move from reacting to life’s circumstances to intentionally creating a life you’re proud of—one choice, one action, and one day at a time.
The Ripple Effect of Agency
When we take control of our lives, the impact goes beyond just us.
By choosing to be the cause, we inspire others to take control of their own lives too.
This mindset helps us handle challenges with confidence and encourages the people around us to take responsibility and make positive changes.
When we take charge, we become leaders, problem-solvers, and strong individuals who can handle whatever life throws our way.
Saying, “I am no longer at the cause—I am the cause,” is a powerful way to take control of your life.
It’s an invitation to move from passivity to purpose, from reacting to leading.
When we live this way, we not only change our own story, but we also find real purpose, happiness, and confidence.
Life will always have challenges, but the power to shape your future is in your hands.
The real question is: will you take it?