To improve the world within, you have to first be willing to go within and be totally honest (thanks Fred) with yourself regarding what is working for you and what isn't.

You can control the world within to your advantage, only if you are willing to let go of preconceived notions and limited ideas, thus opening yourself to new possibilities.

And only when you go within and begin to examine your own attitudes and convictions, and change them to more desirable ones, are you able to really influence the world without.

1. Control is a tricky word/idea

2. You just started :)

your will is capable of controlling what your mind dwells upon, try to get a better understanding of this.
we face a multitude of distractions in our daily existence that pull us away form inner reflection,
some are necessary to upkeep our physical bodies, yet many are frivolous,
if you sincerely thirst for truth you will start sorting things out,
spirit over mind, mind over matter,
it is all inside you waiting to flower.

Read The Secret of Instant Healing by Frank Kinslow. I posted a question and got some really cool links in the answers.

Here is an exercise I came up with based on what I learned from the book. Put the palms of your hands together and close your eyes. Feel the contact point. What do you feel? Do you feel a pulse, is it hot, cold, damp, dry, etc...? Don't name the feelings, just feel them. Don't try to think or not to think, just feel your hands touching. Do this for at least 30 seconds, longer if you want/need to. Do this as often as you think of it.

The within is always there working around the clock for you, even if you are not aware of this, or you are unable to recognize the operation of the spiritual aspect of the world within, and without. Do not ever doubt the law of attraction of this one universal mind, and consciousness that is available to everyone, and there is enough for everyone, no shortage!

The great secret is for you to know yourself, and to believe in yourself, and to know the sky is the limit, so go for it!

yes master yourself on every level! after you can worry about what is out!Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself-and be lenient to everybody else." ... " Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power." — Lao Tzu ... It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle. so know yourself until you become the master of yourself! how can you understand other if you do not understand yourself? as for where to beguin it is by mastering the body! then it is by mastering the mind it is by clearing the veils of the mind! then by mastering the spirit! so good luck!