Fear and uncertainty seem to be growing in the US and all over the world. The violence appears random, uncontrollable and possible in any community. Not just something that is happening somewhere else to someone else.
I am drawn to a “concern” analysis from Steven Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. – Segregating your circle of influence from your larger circle of concern.
All of the things we are concerned about go into the circle of concern. Those things about which we care and can do something about go into a smaller circle of influence.
Right now, I’m very concerned about random violence to innocent people in the US and everywhere. I’m concerned about the victims, their families, the rule of law, how governments will cope and what that means to civil liberties, I’m concerned about more people buying guns who don’t know how to use them. I’m concerned about the people who do know how to use them and shouldn’t have them…. my list goes on and on. You make your list, too and let’s talk through this together.
There is another smaller circle where I have some control. That would be my daily habits, how I interpret the world around me, who I associate with by choice, where I spend my time, what I say to others and on the internet, how I consume resources, etc. Make your list too.
So where will I choose to focus? If I spend time on worry about the “big things”, what did I accomplish? On the other hand, I may be able to make some small actions, or shifts in attitude that address concerns in my own limited way. And, further, according to Covey, the more I focus on things I can accomplish, the more my circle of influence grows.
In this confusing world, I suggest you analyze your circles of concern and influence and focus on one thing this week you can do for humanity. Perhaps you can be a huge difference maker in your community or the world. While many strive for this, it can also be paralyzing. If you get stuck, here are some small steps any of us could commit to this week:
Share the circles with your team and hold a discussion about how they can use them
Join a community discussion
Donate a few bucks to a cause that supports bringing people together
Talk to someone you don’t know in a public place
Focus on the positive
Help someone else be positive
Be grateful
illustration courtesy o fwww.habitica.wikia.com