Is life just passing you by without you taking any part in it? Is your voice not being heard? The following are six signs that you know you are letting your life slip by without having any input. But have no fear, there are ways to take back charge of your life.

1. You aren't taken seriously
When in a group of people, even by the water cooler, your mouth is shut tight. You think of witty and intelligent things to say, yet you are silenced. Or, when you are able to pry your mouth open, the social butterflies take complete control and cut you off. You know that you can contribute to the conversation as well, but you just need an extra boost of confidence to make that first step forward.

2. You never take a stand on any issue
You think you have opinions on issues, but you’re not sure if you should talk about these sensitive topics. When you really do think about it, you start to feel a little more one way about an issue than the other way. Be educated first before discussing the issue. Research the topics and find out information regarding both sides of an issue. Once you think you know enough about these topics, then you will be able to have confident conversations.

3. You are afraid to follow your dreams
You have dreams, you know what makes you the happiest. But you are afraid of the future, afraid of the uncertainties, and possibilities. You are afraid to make the first move, so you hold on to the security of your present life.

4. You could be bigger, but you stay small
You talk big. You dream big. You make plans in your head, but just accept what you are given. Achieving your dreams isn't always the easiest thing to do. So you stay at your job that pays the bills.

5. You can't do anything without someone else's approval
You have ideas and plans but can't go anywhere with them without asking someone else if they think your thoughts are good. You think your ideas are great when they first come to fruition, but the thought of someone else disapproving of your ideas makes all self-confidence run away.

6. You have no plan for your life
Wake up, go to work, go to sleep; wake up, go to work, go to sleep; wake up, go to work, go to sleep. Interspersed with the occasional party or time spent with friends on weekends, this is how every day of your life has looked. You have no future plans for yourself. You just work the job you have and live the life you have accepted. You have thought of things that you could do, thinking "that could be neat," but that's all you do: just think about it.

If you are not in charge of your life, then one way that you can take charge of it and improve your quality of life is by hiring a life coach. Life coaches are increasingly popular these days among all types of people searching for self-improvement. They help you to refocus your life and to make it go in the direction you originally wished for. And, most of all, they give you hope for your life and future. So if you feel like you have no control over your life, then, maybe, it's time to hire a life coach.

Amber Singleton is a writer for Carroll Schuller of    , is recognized for developing and promoting leadership-focused and results-oriented operations/management teams. Her areas of study and experience include business management, training, budgeting, family system studies, learning all about the brain, and nutrition.