Finding Your Focus
- Herman Veitch
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Understanding the Circle of Influence
Introduction
We often find ourselves expending significant energy worrying about things that are outside of our control. Traffic jams, the weather, and political events – these are just a few examples of things that can easily consume our attention and drain our energy.
Circle of Influence
The concept of the "Circle of Influence", popularised by Stephen Covey in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", offers a powerful framework for navigating these challenges. It suggests that we should focus our energy on the things we can control or influence, rather than wasting time and energy on those that are beyond our reach.
Distinguishing Between What We Can and Cannot Control
Circle of Influence: This encompasses the things we can directly influence:
Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Our actions and decisions
Our responses to external events
Our communication and interactions with others
Our personal growth and development
Circle of Concern: This encompasses the things that we worry about but have little or no control over:
The weather
Traffic
Other people's opinions
World events
The actions of others
Focusing Our Energy on Areas Where We Can Make a Difference
By focusing our energy on the things within our Circle of Influence, we can:
Reduce stress and anxiety: We stop wasting energy worrying about things we can't control and instead focus on taking proactive steps to address the challenges within our reach.
Increase our sense of control: By focusing on our own actions and choices, we gain a greater sense of agency and empowerment.
Improve our relationships: Focusing on how we communicate and interact with others can significantly improve our relationships.
Increase our productivity: By directing our energy towards productive activities, we can achieve more and feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
Letting Go of Things Outside Our Control and Accepting Uncertainty
Accepting that some things are beyond our control can be challenging. However, it's crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.
Practice acceptance: Learn to accept the things you cannot change. This doesn't mean giving up, but rather acknowledging the limitations of your control and focusing your energy elsewhere.
Cultivate a sense of detachment: Learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Notice when you're dwelling on things outside of your control and gently redirect your attention.
Focus on the present moment: Practising mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and avoid getting caught up in worries about the future.
Conclusion
By understanding the Circle of Influence and focusing our energy on the things we can control, we can cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Want to delve deeper into the concept of the Circle of Influence and learn how to focus your energy more effectively? Check out my book, "Getting Up Again and Other Stories We Tell Ourselves About Being Strong", and explore my transformative course for valuable insights and practical exercises.
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