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Course 2, Discussion 4: The problem is the path

User Profile: FrenchToast
FrenchToast December 5th, 2022

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.

Watch the video here

✒️ 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?

Watch the second video here

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!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!


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User Profile: Irise
Irise August 2nd

@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.

Concern: Refusal, weather, accident

Influence: Health, diet, learning

I can always tell myself the circle of influence will grow larger if I put more effort into it. 

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?

This executive is very clever and knows what he wants. He listens, analyzes and plans his actions based on other people's needs.

1 reply
User Profile: starryJoy2222
starryJoy2222 1 day ago

@Irise

Yeah the executive really did put a lot of thought and planning into how he could change the culture of this workplace! I found it really inspiring how he focused on what he could do to support the presidents weaknesses. 

🌟 Joy 🌟

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User Profile: starryJoy2222
starryJoy2222 1 day ago

@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.

Circle of Concern 1) What other people think of me 2) If others understand my intentions well 3) Other people's attitudes to working in a team

Circle of Influence 1) How I approach teamwork 2) How I respond to feedback 3) The words I use to communicate authentically and warmly

I'll add my values and ways in which I want to work in a team here on cups to my vision board - I have this as a background on my desktop - it'll remind me to focus on what I am doing rather than what others might be doing. 

✒️ 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 stood out the most to me was that this man stepped into the gaps the president was leaving. I am surprised at how this proactive approach helped solve some issues and expanded his circle. Whilst I always refrain from gossip and create a culture where that's not tolerated (by expressing my frustrations openly and professionally therefore eliminating the need for venting) I haven't been as proactive as the man in the video. I'd like to try and 'step into' someone else's weaknesses and see how that goes. 

🌟 Joy 🌟