Stay engaged within your Circle of Influence

We all have things that concern us. Some of which we can do something about. But most of which we cannot.

In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey illustrates this concept with a “Circle of Influence” surrounded by a larger “Circle of Concern.”

Proactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence. They look for practical ways to make a difference in their community, at their workplace, and among their friends and family. By focusing positive energy on things within their control, proactive people grow their Circle of Influence and eventually change their circumstances.

Meanwhile, reactive people waste time and energy on concerns outside of their control. They obsess over matters where nothing productive can be accomplished. By allowing external factors to distract their focus, their neglected Circle of Influence shrinks.

In times of crisis and uncertainty, it’s tempting to let our growing Circle of Concern eclipse the opportunities that we still have to positively affect things within our control.

But we always have a choice.

• We can worry about getting sick, or we can focus on eating a healthy diet and exercising.
• We can consume news headlines all day, or we can call a friend or family member to offer words of encouragement.
• We can be nervous about the global stock market, or we can donate to a local charity.

So ask yourself: Where are you focusing your time and energy? Are your efforts spent increasing your Circle of Influence? Or are you too busy reacting to concerns outside of your control?

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.

Leo F. Buscaglia