This week, I have spent many hours talking Members through their disappointment and fears around the outcome of the election. Higher tariffs, anti-immigrant policies, hateful and divisive language threaten their business success and members of their families and their communities. I find wise counsel once again in the leadership principles outlined by Stephen Covey in the The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Covey’s Circle of Concern, Influence, and Control offers hope by encouraging a shift in perspective. I’d like to share it here.
The Circle of Concern encompasses the wide array of things we care about or feel affected by, ranging from personal health and relationships to global issues like climate change or politics. This often leads to feelings of stress and anxiety as we dwell on factors beyond our immediate influence.
The Circle of Influence lies within the Circle of Concern and comprises the aspects we can directly impact through our actions and choices. By focusing our energy here, we can effect positive change and exert control over certain aspects of our lives.
The Circle of Control-the innermost circle represents elements entirely within our grasp. These are the areas where we have direct power to make decisions and take action, leading to a sense of empowerment and efficacy.
If you want to apply the model to your daily life you must make a conscious effort to shift your focus from the outer circle of concern towards the inner circles of influence and control.
Some tips:
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Take time to reflect on the various aspects of your life and categorize them into the Circle of Concern, Influence, and Control.
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Recognize where you tend to allocate most of your mental and emotional energy.
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Direct your attention towards the areas within your control, such as your attitude, behavior, and responses to challenges.
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Practice acceptance of circumstances beyond your control, freeing up mental space for productive action.
If that is not enough, here are some more tips:
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Identify areas within your Circle of Concern where you can exert influence through proactive measures.
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Develop mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment and avoid getting swept away by worries about the future or regrets about the past.
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Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you to reach your full potential.
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Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar struggles.
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Stay curious and open-minded, pursuing new knowledge and skills to adapt to changing circumstances.
By reframing our mindset and redirecting our focus towards areas within our sphere of influence and control, we can transcend feelings of helplessness and embrace a proactive approach to navigating life’s challenges.
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Image courtesy of Modern Works which has great Leadership Summaries