It’s ironic. What affects us the most is what we can’t control. Unfortunately, it causes severe emotional reactions that limit productivity and quality of living. According to the World Health Organization, mental health issues are one of the leading causes of illnesses and disability in young adults. This data only proves the importance of focusing on what we can control.
Focusing on what matters gave rise to the philosophical concept of the circle of control. It sums up all the things that you can impact or influence. Not only can it give you mental clarity, but it can also help you achieve life goals faster. This article will introduce you to the concept of the circle of control. You will also learn what it means and how you can use it to maintain focus and cope with anxiety in your formative years.
What Is the Circle of Control?
The circle of control is a term popularized by renowned author Stephen Covey. According to Covey, it is one of three crucial “circles” that can shape who we are.
First is the circle of concern, which involves a series of events that may affect the world and are reasonable causes for concern. Examples include wars, pandemics, natural disasters, and politics.
Second is the circle of influence, which focuses on outside influences and relationships that impact our lives. For instance, family tragedies or parental separation belong in this circle. While they may involve familiar people, the outcome of these events depends on how they think or feel.
Third is the circle of control. This is where your efforts, determination, and intentions can change a situation and ultimately determine your reality. It includes your goals, thoughts, and how you respond to unpleasant situations. Understanding what you can control can help you take the bold step toward focusing on what matters.
How to Focus on What Matters?
Below are different ways you can focus on what matters:
1. Determine What You Want to Become
The first step to focusing on what matters is to know who you are and determine who you want to be. It helps you form personal principles and set boundaries for your physical and mental health. You will also be able to create your circle of control with what matters most to you. That way, ongoing or external situations will no longer determine how you feel, think, and respond.
2. Be Intentional about What You Let in
Nutritionists often say, “You are what you eat.” This statement is equally true for every other thing you allow into your mind or body. In the same way, it’s safe to say you are what you watch, listen to, and pay attention to. This implies that every information you take in permeates your senses and influences your thoughts and actions over time.
For instance, social media exposes many adolescents to inappropriate and extreme content daily. These include harmful “dare” challenges, assault pranks, and self-harm practices. That’s why you must carefully choose what you let in. That way, unwanted thoughts or influences don’t disrupt your process of achieving high-level focus on what matters.
3. Remove Stress Triggers
Most stressors come from outside factors. These are from circles outside your control that you do not influence. Although you can’t change them, one thing you can do is avoid them.
To avoid stressors, you must first identify them. Also, study how and when they affect you and how you respond to them. For instance, if disturbing information or bad news ruins your mood, avoid social media during the early hours of the day. Likewise, keep your distance from classmates or neighbors who make you uncomfortable or anxious.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
While removing stressors is a step in the right direction, you must replace them with positive influences that enable you to focus on what you can control. You may have to make new acquaintances your age with similar goals for moral support and motivation.
In addition, acquire the right tools, such as self-help books and productivity apps. These tools can help maintain a schedule that makes you spend the bulk of your time on your priorities at home or school.
5. Exercise Regularly
To fix your attention on your priorities, you must cultivate a healthy routine that boosts focus levels. When it comes to healthy routines, regular exercise plays a major role.
Besides physical strength and endurance, studies show that exercising helps enhance confidence and improves focus. This is due to the production of norepinephrine hormones that activate the body’s “fight-or-flight” mode. It also causes a surge in energy levels, increasing alertness and focus on what matters.
6. Consult a Specialist
If you struggle with maintaining focus on what matters, you may need professional support. Fortunately, there are many qualified individuals in the health and wellness industry with the expertise to assist you. Speak to a guidance counselor or mental health specialist. They have the experience to take on individual cases in isolation and provide personalized care for adolescents.
Takeaway
From global events to parental disputes, external factors can lead to anxiety and loss of focus on your priorities. That’s why learning what the circle of control is and focusing on it is essential for quality living. It will help you maintain a healthy psychology that enables you to receive, process, and respond to information on your terms.
Not every information or occurrence deserves to live in your head rent-free. Prioritize your circle of control and expand it as you progress. The more you expand and focus on your circle of control the more the circles of influence and concern shrink.