#BetterByFriday – Control the Controllables
In this #BetterByFriday, we delve into controlling the controllables through the lens of Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence versus Circle of Concern. Let’s explore how proactive choices can empower us and enhance our overall well-being.
Food for Thought
Understanding the Circle of Influence versus the Circle of Concern is crucial for managing our responses to life’s challenges. The Circle of Concern encompasses all the things we worry about, from the weather and politics to our health and relationships. However, not everything within this circle is within our control.
The Circle of Influence, on the other hand, represents the areas where we can be proactive and exert control. By focusing on what we can influence, we shift from a reactive to a proactive mindset. This shift empowers us to take actionable steps, even in situations that seem overwhelming.
Consider the example of weather concerns, such as tornadoes. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it by creating a shelter-in-place kit and informing our family of emergency plans. Similarly, in the realm of relationships, we can take proactive steps to mend broken connections, whether through self-reflection, vulnerability, or holding others accountable.
Quote to Ponder
“Do what you can with what you have where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of controlling the controllables. It emphasizes the importance of taking action within our sphere of influence, no matter the circumstances.
Someone to Follow
- Stephen Covey: Renowned for his work on leadership and personal development, particularly his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which introduces the concept of the Circle of Influence.
- Patrick McNamara: Known for his, “Basic Dude Stuff” posts, he is an advocate for self-sufficiency and being mindful of the sphere of influence.
Something to Digest
Activity to Engage
Mapping Your Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern
- Identify Your Concerns: Take a moment to list all the things that concern you. This could include anything from global events to personal relationships.
- Categorize Your Concerns: Separate these concerns into two categories: those you can influence and those you cannot.
- Take Proactive Steps: For the concerns within your Circle of Influence, identify actionable steps you can take to address them. This could be preparing for emergencies, having difficult conversations, or setting personal goals.
- Reflect and Act: Regularly reflect on your proactive steps and adjust as necessary. Celebrate your progress and continue to focus on what you can control.
By focusing on our Circle of Influence, we can transform concerns into opportunities for growth and empowerment. Remember, every moment is an opportunity to choose our response and make a difference.
Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s continue striving to be #BetterByFriday.
Some more quotes to consider:
Marcus Aurelius: “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Epictetus: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Seneca: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Plato: “The first and best victory is to conquer self.”
Aristotle: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
Sun Tzu: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
Confucius: “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.”
Lao Tzu: “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.”
George S. Patton: “Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”
Hannibal Barca: “We will either find a way or make one.”
Napoleon Bonaparte: “The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.”
Julius Caesar: “It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.”
Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Winston Churchill: “The price of greatness is responsibility.”
Nelson Mandela: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
Admiral William H. McRaven: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower: “The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!”
Gen. Douglas MacArthur: “The best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself.”
Miyamoto Musashi: “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”