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
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
- How other people respond to me or perceive my thoughts.
- Things happening around me that I know I cannot change.
- How quickly my personal or professional plans work out.
Circle of Influence
- How I choose to respond to tougher situations.
- How I manage my time, priorities and commitments.
- The effort I put into learning, improving myself and supporting others.
One thing I can do to remind myself:
Whenever I find myself worrying too much, I would like to pause and ask myself, “What best can I actually do about this?” This will remind me to shift my attention from worrying or stressed about the situation to taking one small action about it, within my 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?
What stood out to me was the way the executive took responsibility instead of waiting for the circumstances to change. Instead of reacting to the situation, they looked at what they could do possibly and took action.
I felt the important difference was the mindset. Being proactive means not allowing a difficult situation to decide how we respond. We may not be able to control everything around us, but we can surely choose our response and take action where we have influence.
@FrenchToast
I can list 3 things in my circle of concern (which i can't control) as the economy, rising costs and people's opinion
3 things in my circle of influence (things i can act on) as how i respond to people, how i show up and how i can be prepared
1 thing i can do to remind my self; i can put a reminder to show up (all day) on my phone calendar
About the second video what stood out with me that the executive didn't complain as his teammates, consciously he chose to be proactive.
-He tried to understand what behind his boss behavior instead of judging him or complaining about him
-He covered the available weaknesses of his boss and the team with his own strengths
-He did his analysis and recommendations before he was asked
@FrenchToast
Hi, the three things I identified in my circle of concern are:
1. Unexpected life happens.
2. Past mistakes
3. Climate change
Three things I identified in my circle of influence:
1. My thoughts
2. My actions
3. My immediate environment
One thing I can do to focus on my circle of influence:
I can focus on personal skills to increase the middle circle the circle of influence
@FrenchToast
Three things I identify in my circle of concerns
Other peoples opinions
Unexpected happenings around me that I cannot change
How to change already happened mistakes
Three things i identify in my circle of influence
How I choose to respond to people
My actions
My reactions
One thing I can do to remind myself.
Once I find myself stressed up or in a frustration situation, I would rather think of a solution, think of how to increase the middle circle the circle of influence.
In the other video what stood out for me is the way he worked on to increase the circle of influence, he empathized, he led the situation and did not cristize but shown empathy, how he was able to identify the need and little by little expanded the circle of influence. I Things that we can't change we live them to avoid frustrations, we increase the middle circle and decrease the outer circle
