Course 2, Discussion 4: The problem is the path
Hello LDP Team!
The problem is the path is the core insight that helps us evolve as individuals and as a community here on 7 Cups.
Here is an overview of this course:
Course Description: It is natural for us to want to avoid problems. Problems can cause worry, anxiety, and frustration. These are feelings that we often want to avoid. Problems, however, are the key to growth. When we face our problems directly we get smarter and grow stronger. A saying that captures this is: Progress = Pain + Reflection. This course helps you learn the value of problems by highlighting the difference between problems you might be concerned about and problems you can directly solve. Next, it walks you through the ancient practice of steering into problems directly in order to unlock their value and gifts. Finally, it helps you identify and measure progress so you can make continued gains in your personal and professional life.
✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.
✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
Further Reading (Optional but recommended):
This idea of problem is the path is a reoccurring theme in self help books and especially stoicism. If you are interested in learning more about this thought process, we recommend the following books:
The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, by William Braxton Irvine
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
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@FrenchToast
✒️ Circle of Concern (things I care about but can’t directly control):
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Injustice in the world (like murder, abuse, systemic inequality)
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How others choose to treat or react to people
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Major global or societal events that affect mental health and safety
✒️ Circle of Influence (things I can control or affect):
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How I respond to conversations about injustice and support those affected
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The tone, empathy, and presence I bring as a leader at 7 Cups
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Using my voice and actions to create a safe, kind, and respectful space in my community
✒️ One thing I can do to remind myself to focus on my Circle of Influence:
I can remind myself that real change often starts small. By staying grounded in my purpose and asking, “What can I do right now, right here?” I keep my focus on impact. A daily affirmation or reflection, even for a few minutes, helps shift my mindset from feeling helpless to feeling empowered.
✒️ What stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
It really stood out to me how he was able to recognize and compensate for his bosses’ weaknesses instead of criticizing them. It showed a strong level of emotional maturity.
@EllaListens
I liked how you use your circle of influence to create a safe space. It's true, change starts with small actions. I was also impressed by the executive's maturity in supporting rather than criticizing
@FrenchToast
3 things in my circle of concern
@OyenteDiego I think these are really good things in your circle of influence that you mention! Recycling habits are something that you can control even though climate change as a whole is not in your control. I also agree that focusing on finding solutions to problems before they occur shows a proactive mindset!
@OyenteDiego
(Put a visible note in my workspace with the phrase Focus on what you can control)
That is such a great reminder. Sometimes we stress over things that aren’t our fault or completely out of control leaving less room for what’s really important.
Loved what you’ve shared! 👍
@FrenchToast
✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.
3 things in my circle of concern are: getting into graduate school, having people in my class like me, and finding a partner. 3 things in my circle of influence are: volunteering on 7cups and in other organizations to improve my resume, learning to be more outgoing, and investing time and effort into my fitness and grooming to be more attractive.
Something I can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence is to take a deep breath when I feel myself ruminating on a thought, and ask myself if it is in my control/in my circle of influence or not. If its not, I can let the thought go, and if it is, I can engage in behaviour in my circle of influence to challenge the thought.
✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
@royalpainting409
✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
What stands out to me about this executive is that they only focused on what was in their circle of influence. They tackled the issues and concerns of the other executives and compensated for the president's weaknesses to bridge the gap between the executives and the president. What they did that was proactive was anticipate the president's needs and take care of them before being asked to, this allowed them to be ready before an issue started.
@FrenchToast
1) 3 things in my circle of influence are: children, partner and friends.
2) 3 things in my circle of concern are: work environment, productivity and financial management
3) 1 thing I can remind myself to focus on the circle of influence is: You have people who rely on you in all walks of life.
@adorableGrace87 "You have people who rely on you in all walks of life" I like this idea. It's like we have an invisible responsibility even we do anything alone.
@FrenchToast
What stands out to me the most about this executive is them taking initiative to tackle the situation head on, being proactive in seeing where the true issue lied before it escalated and having faith in his approach to solve the problem at hand.
3 things in my circle of concerns are flaws in systems, injustice, global issues.
3 things in my circle of influence are how approach the situation with grace, how to help to fill up the gaps as an individual, how to complement weaknesses with strengths with collaboration.
Reminder to self: instead of being anxious or frustrated about huge issues that can't be solved immediately, why not brainstorm and work towards a better future with positive actions
@calmingcomfortero
I love this approach. It's definitely better and more fruitful to focus on giving your efforts to things like your future and other things in your circle of influence rather than worrying excessively about things out of your control. Thank you for your response~!
✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.
3 things in my circle of concern: the political/economic state of the world, the judgements of others, wars
3 things in my circle of influence: my future, my relationships, my progress
1 thing to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence: understand that I can't change everything in life, but I can change some things in my life. Focus on the things in my circle of influence (those are the "some things" that I can change in my life).
✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
Proactive --> focusing and working on addressing the things in your circle of influence, all of which can be affected and changed.
Reactive --> focusing and working on addressing the things, some, if not most, are things that cannot be affected and changed by individual results
@greka7
I agree with you that we can't change everything (although I still need to work on not trying to change everything myself) but we can change what is within our circle of influence
@FrenchToast
My circle of concern:
1. Current world events.
2. Government decisions
3. Local and world poverty
My circle of influence:
1. My outlook and actions towards others
2. My effort and ability to achive goes
3. My ability to engage with others and support them
To remind myself:
The big problems in life can't be solved alone, but by working with others we can create a solution to them.
✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?
They had really good emotional intelligence and didn't engage with the gossipy behaviours, they use there emotional intelligence to influence and lead themselves and others.
Great answers!
Video 1
3 things in my circle of concern
The current situation in Iran and Israel.
Other people
Exam timing
3 things in my circle of influence
I can work hard for the achievement of my goals.
I can take care of myself.
I can practise my hobbies.
1 thing I can do to focus on my circle of influence.
Complete tasks on time.
2nd video
The executive was consistent and empathetic. They were looking at strengths instead of weaknesses. Their perspective changed. They working together as a team.
@Admirablerainbow2825
So detailed and to the point!
Thank you!
@FrenchToast How my team consider my role as a leader, what they thin of me, do they like to be in my team