Shift Your Energy to What You Can Control, Every Single Day
When the deadlines pile up, it’s easy to feel like everything’s spiraling—emails ping nonstop, demands multiply, and you’re caught in a swirl of ‘what-ifs.’ But pause for a moment, and list your top three worries. You scribble “client feedback,” “team drama,” and “market crash.” Now sort them: You can’t stop a market slump—‘No Control.’ You can influence team morale—‘Some Control.’ And you have full sway over delivering your proposal—‘Full Control.’
Suddenly, the panic drains away. You’re not powerless; you’re choosing where to invest your energy. You craft your proposal outline right then—no more procrastinating on what you can fix today. The mental shift feels like rearranging the sails in a sudden gale: You’re steering again instead of drifting.
Neuroscientists call this ‘locus of control awareness.’ When our actions link directly to outcomes, anxiety decreases and motivation spikes. You may never master market swings, but you can master one concise bullet point on your slide deck. That’s enough to steady your hand and refocus your mind.
Next time you’re overwhelmed, jot down three worries on a sticky note. Draw three columns—Full, Some, None—and drop each worry into place. Then pick the one item you can influence today and take a concrete step—send that message or set that meeting. It may just reset your whole afternoon.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll gain clarity on where to invest your time and energy, leading to less daily stress and immediate, measurable progress on your priorities.
Sort life into three clear categories
List today’s top worries
Write down three things on your mind—call them Worries A, B, and C. For each, ask: Do I control it completely, partly, or not at all?
Assign each worry to its category
Draw three columns: Full Control, Some Control, No Control. Place A, B, and C into the correct slot. This reveals where to focus.
Choose one actionable step
Pick one item from the ‘Some Control’ column and identify a small action you can take now, like sending an email or scheduling a check-in. Commit to doing it within the hour.
Reflection Questions
- Which worry category takes up most of your mental space?
- How did shifting focus to actions you control change your mood?
- What small ‘Some Control’ action can you commit to this afternoon?
Personalization Tips
- At work, if you worry about a project deadline, categorize tasks you own versus team dependencies and act on what you can influence.
- When managing your budget, list bills you can negotiate and those you can’t, then call to adjust one expense today.
- If you fear a loved one’s health, focus on improving your communication or booking that check-up you control.
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
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