We all need to operate successfully in two circles:
Circle of influence – the set of things which we can directly affect through our decisions and actions
Circle of concern – a large set of things which affect us, our organizations, and everyone we care about
This is my mental picture:
Your Circle of Concern is large and has a dotted-line edge because expands with no conscious effort on your part. Your Circle of Influence has a finite range, though you can expand it through hard work.
When stressors come, when you find yourself fretting over possibilities, ask yourself “Is this in my circle of influence, or circle of concern?”
Our collective experiences demonstrate two mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring the Circle of Concern altogether. We must pay attention to evolving situations and possible scenarios, to anticipate and avoid problems where possible.
- Fretting so much about things in the circle of concern that you fail to execute within your Circle of Influence.
I strongly recommend you consciously structure time and discipline your mind to spend 80% of your energy in your Circle of Influence. Execute well. Work to expand your influence.
Also, teach this concept to people in your Circle of Influence! It will be a blessing to them.
