National I Am In Control Day is a day dedicated to taking charge of your life and making positive changes. It’s observed annually on March 30th and serves a dual purpose: encouraging people to regain control of their lives and commemorating a significant historical event involving Secretary of State Alexander Haig’s famous “I am in control” statement following the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: March 30th annually
- Tagged as: Self-improvement, Historical commemoration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalIAmInControlDay
- When was it founded?: After March 30, 1981
- Who founded it?: Inspired by Alexander Haig’s statement following the Reagan assassination attempt
History of National I Am In Control Day
National I Am In Control Day originated from a historical moment on March 30, 1981, when an assassination attempt was made on President Ronald Reagan. As the president was rushed to the hospital with a bullet lodged in his lung, Secretary of State Alexander Haig made the controversial statement, “I am in control here,” during a press briefing intended to reassure the public.
Haig’s statement was widely misinterpreted as an attempt to assume presidential powers, though he later clarified he only meant he was temporarily managing the executive branch until Vice President George Bush returned to Washington. Over time, this day evolved beyond its historical origins to become a day focused on personal empowerment and taking control of one’s life.
Timeline
- March 30, 1981: Assassination attempt on President Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel
- March 30, 1981: Alexander Haig makes his famous “I am in control” statement
- April 11, 1981: President Reagan returns to the White House after recovering
- 1982: John Hinckley found not guilty by reason of insanity
- 1993: Congress passes the “Brady Bill,” named after James Brady who was severely injured in the shooting
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 30 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 30 | Monday |
| 2027 | March 30 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | March 30 | Thursday |
| 2029 | March 30 | Friday |
| 2030 | March 30 | Saturday |
How National I Am In Control Day Is Observed
People celebrate this day by taking steps to regain control over various aspects of their lives. Common activities include:
- Decluttering and organizing living spaces
- Creating to-do lists and setting achievable goals
- Developing plans to tackle challenging situations
- Taking time for self-care and personal well-being
- Disconnecting from technology to focus on priorities
- Making decisions that have been postponed
Fun Facts About National I Am In Control Day
- President Reagan’s popularity actually increased following the assassination attempt.
- The press briefing room where Haig made his statement was later named the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.
- The assassination attempt led to significant gun control legislation in the form of the Brady Bill.
- John Hinckley, who attempted to assassinate Reagan, was inspired by the movie “Taxi Driver.”
- The bullet that struck Reagan missed his heart by just inches.
Quiz
- When is National I Am In Control Day celebrated?
- What historical event inspired this day?
- Who said the famous words “I am in control”?
- What year did the Reagan assassination attempt occur?
- What has this day evolved to represent in modern times?
(Answers: March 30th; Reagan assassination attempt; Alexander Haig; 1981; Taking control of one’s life)
FAQs
Why is it called “I Am In Control Day”?
The name comes from Secretary of State Alexander Haig’s statement “I am in control here” following the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan.
How can I celebrate this day?
You can celebrate by organizing your life, setting goals, making important decisions, and taking steps to gain control over challenging situations.
Is this an official national holiday?
No, it’s not a federal holiday but rather an observance day that has gained popularity over time.
What’s the main message of this day?
The main message is about personal empowerment and taking responsibility for your life’s direction rather than feeling overwhelmed by circumstances.
Importance of National I Am In Control Day
This day serves as a valuable reminder that while we can’t control everything in life, we can take charge of our reactions, decisions, and priorities. Taking control has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental health. The day encourages us to pause, reflect on areas where we feel overwhelmed, and take practical steps to regain a sense of order and direction.
Related Observances
- National Stress Awareness Day
- Get Organized Month
- National Time Management Month
- Self-Improvement Month
- National Decision Day