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We’re living at a peculiar moment in time, aren’t we? Clients seem hesitant, projects stall and social media – well, it’s doing its own thing. Ever sent out a brilliant proposal and the responding silence felt as loud as a roaring stadium? I know I have. I found myself recently, mid-conversation with my dog, exasperatedly questioning what I even control anymore. And that little existential moment led to today’s reflection: reclaiming your power.
So, let’s talk about how to grow a brilliant business – even when the world’s a bit nuts.
Embracing What You Can Control
Years ago, I stumbled across a concept by Stephen Covey, which has stuck with me through thick and thin: the three concentric circles of concern, influence and control. To me, it’s more than just a theory – it’s been a guide through some of the murkiest moments of my business journey.
Circle of Concern – The Spin Zone
Covey’s outermost circle is the ‘Circle of Concern’. Familiar territory. Here we lose sleep over the economy, potential client ghosting or whether our next social media reel will bomb or go viral. But here’s the catch – you can’t control any of this! Spending too much energy here is akin to herding cats in a hurricane. My personal remedy? Asking myself, “Is this mine to fix?” If not, I bless, release and let it go – sometimes with a cheeky little swear for good measure.
Circle of Influence – Quiet Power
Move inwards and you find the ‘Circle of Influence’. This is where it gets exciting. It’s about leveraging your energy to make a real difference without expecting total control. You can’t halt a market slowdown, but you can re-engage with past clients. Just recently, I spoke with a client who hadn’t heard from some of her six-figure clients in months. Instead of seeing this as ghosting, it was a chance to reach out and rekindle those relationships. It might not change outcomes directly, but it shifts the needle of progress.
Circle of Control – The Magic Layer
Deepest of all is the ‘Circle of Control’ – where true magic happens. Here, you decide how you show up, what you say yes to and what you decline. Your creativity, energy, time investment and yes, your pricing, are all within your control. I remember sending a few imperfect proposals, scared of my work not being perfect – surprising no one but myself with how little the client cared. What they valued was clarity and confidence, not perfection.
My mentor once pulled me from a spiral with a simple question: “What are you in control of right now?” It was a game changer. Even last week, I asked this question during a strategy session; participants walked away with doable plans instead of overwhelming perfectionist blueprints.
Finding Your Focus
Every moment presents a choice: succumb to chaos or ground yourself in clarity. When you prioritise powerfully, you build unstoppable momentum. So here’s my challenge for you: decide on one action you have complete control over. Take it. Start small if you must, but do reclaim focus from frustration. Publish that piece. Follow up with a client. Raise your rates. Or simply clear your head with a walk.
I’d love you to share your action with me. Message me, tag me in a post or send a note by Carrier Pigeon if you must. And if this episode struck a chord, share it with someone who might need a push in taking back their power too. As always, keep showing up, leading with heart, and unleashing your brilliant self.
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