Let’s get real for a second.
The world around us? It can feel downright chaotic at times—clients pulling the plug on decisions, the economy throwing curveballs, or algorithms on social media that change on a whim.
Here’s the thing: none of that is in your control.
And yet, how often do we let these external forces take up precious real estate in our minds? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
What if, instead, you could channel your energy into the things that truly matter—the things that you can actually influence and control? This isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s a powerful strategy, one I first discovered in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Let me break it down for you:
The Circle of Concern
This is the space where your worries and anxieties hang out – the economy, market trends, the client who goes AWOL after a proposal, or even what others think about you.
It’s tempting to stew over these things because they feel like they matter. And yes, they do affect your business. But here’s the brutal truth: you can’t control them.
For example:
- You can’t stop a client from changing their mind about a deal due to budget cuts.
- You can’t prevent a competitor from launching a new product.
- And you definitely can’t control the endless pivots of social media algorithms (seriously, stop trying).
Obsession with these uncontrollables doesn’t just drain your energy – it leaves you frustrated, stuck, and powerless. The key is learning to recognise when your mind is stuck in the Circle of Concern and consciously pulling it back. Because that’s where the magic starts.
The Circle of Influence
Now, this is where things get exciting. The Circle of Influence is where your actions can actually make a difference, even if you don’t control everything.
Let me give you an example: You can’t stop a recession, but you can strengthen relationships with your clients. You can’t fix the global supply chain, but you can invest in a team that’s agile and adaptable.
This is your ripple-effect zone – the space where small actions can have big impacts. Ask yourself:
- How can I show up for my team and clients as a leader today?
- What can I do to position myself as an innovator, even in uncertain times?
- Where can I create moments of inspiration and clarity for those in my sphere of influence?
Every time you double down on your Circle of Influence, you move closer to the outcomes you want, despite the challenges swirling around you.
The Circle of Control
At the very center lies your powerhouse. The Circle of Control is where your energy can work wonders. This is the realm of you.
Here’s what you control:
- Your effort: How much energy and creativity you bring to your business every day.
- Your mindset: The choice to show up with resilience instead of frustration.
- Your decisions: From the clients you take on to the boundaries you set, it’s all you.
Think about this: You can’t control how a potential client feels about your proposal, but you can ensure that your messaging is crystal-clear and showcases the incredible value you bring. You can’t change industry regulations, but you can choose to adapt with a bold, innovative mindset.
This is the magic zone – the space where success is built, not by luck but by intention. When you focus on what you can control, you reclaim your power, amplify your impact, and create unstoppable momentum.
So, where is your focus right now?
Are you pouring energy into worrying about things you can’t change? Or are you choosing to lean into your influence and take control of the things that matter most?
The most successful business owners I know don’t spend their time fixated on their Circle of Concern. Instead, they’re relentlessly intentional about their Circle of Control. Why? Because the more you focus on what you can control, the more your Circle of Influence naturally grows.
It means that instead of obsessing over your competition, you’re refining your offers and showing up with authenticity. It means that instead of feeling overwhelmed by the chaos in the world, you’re choosing to innovate and lead through uncertainty.
And when you shift your energy from frustration to focus, something incredible happens – you create momentum. And that momentum? It’s how business and success are built.
As you set your goals for the next 12 months, ask yourself this:
What’s one step I can take today to shift from reaction to action, from frustration to focus?
Because that’s where the magic begins.
Janine X