Influencing Change

Watch this video on Circle of Influence:

We can focus on the things that we can actually do something about, or we can add to the stress in our lives by worrying and fretting over the things we have no control over.

People either react to change or they choose to respond to change.

Some effectively embrace change, focus their time and energy on things they actually have control over, instead of wasting their time and energy on things they don’t.

The Circle of Concern vs The Circle of Influence

It is important to identify your Circle of Influence within your Circle of Concern.

You may be worried about the economy or climate change or coronavirus (i.e. circle of concern), however what can you do about it (i.e. your circle of influence)?

Proactive people focus their efforts on their Circles of Influence. When you act on your Circle of Influence you are able to reduce stress levels and increase happiness, because you can initiate and influence change.

Reactive people tend to neglect those issues that are under their control and influence. Their focus is elsewhere and their Circle of Influence shrinks. This adds to the feelings of stress and helplessness.

Gaining an awareness of the areas in which we expend our energies is a giant step in becoming proactive.

This concept is easy to remember and is a great tool to direct our energy and actions in meaningful ways on things we do have control over.

Over to You...

Reflect on the following questions –

Where are you currently spending the majority of your focus & time? In the circle of concern or influence?

Are you currently being as personally effective as you can in your life?

What strategies or tools could you use to help you focus on the things you can control and transform your life?

What can you do today to expand your Circle of Influence to build more positive energy in your life and at work?