Be captain of your own ship.

The ship stands for a person’s life, and the captain for the person making its decisions. The proverb urges someone to choose a course rather than leave that choice to others.

It also places responsibility with the person steering. Advice and help may be welcome, but they need not determine the decisions that person makes.

Use it to encourage someone to make a decision for themselves rather than simply follow another person’s wishes. Its direct command may suit a moment of resolve better than a moment when someone chiefly needs sympathy.