Stephen Coveys 7 habits of highly effective people is a showstopper! I'm re-reading it again. Everything I do, I learn something new.
The prioritisation tool he explains in the book is one of the best tools I've learnt. I use it all the time.
Recently I've been consumed by the news, Brexit. It's dominated the news for the last 3 years and recently it felt like it was coming to a head. I realised that I was becoming fearful about the future… what ifs started playing in my head, I was losing concentration, focus and it suddenly dawned on me that I was putting too much energy and focus into this. The reality is I have no control over Brexit than anyone else.
I returned to my old favourite tool. I wrote out my circle of concern - everything that I can't control and then started on my circle of influence, what was within my control. Suddenly, my energy was flowing again, I was re-focussed, energised, my stress levels went down and I had my confidence back.
In my circle of Influence I had
My health, I can eat healthy, exercise, drink more water
My family, I can prioritise and spend time with them
My loved one, I can spend time with him, going places and having fun
My career, I can change it, get a permanent job, work for me, review and change
My finances, I can set a budget, keep to it or not!
My bills, I can set up direct debits to make sure they get paid on time
My home is my safety and comfort, ensure it's always like that
Those gossips and haters, toxic people, I can see them and frankly, cut them out my life
My mistakes, I'm not perfect, I don't need to be perfect, there are no mistakes only learning opportunities!!
In my area of concern I have
Getting old, there's nothing I can do about it
Brexit, can do nothing
Government, can do nothing
Climate change, can do nothing
Mental health of the world, can do nothing
The economy, can do nothing
House prices, can do nothing
Terrorism, can do nothing
Homelessness, can do nothing
With all of these, I can do baby steps to help, but I have no real control over what happens, so I need to stop worrying and stressing.
Focus on your areas that you have influence and control over, it's here you can make a real difference to you. As your circle widens, then you can take steps and do more.
In The Space Hoppers with Liz http://bit.ly/2pwLsPh we're exploring the idea of your circle of influence. I've included some inspiration, entertainment and quirky facts, if you're interested, then why not join us.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If this post has made you think and you would like to make a change, then contact me and we can have a free 30-minute chat about how I can help you and take advantage of some 121 Executive coaching. Finding the power within to change is what I do, why not do it today.
About the Author Elizabeth Pickering is an Executive Resilience coach, who helps people find success, focus and balance in their life. I take them from feeling overworked, overwhelmed, stuck and stressed to feeling energised, empowered and falling in love with life again.Working with sole traders, business owners and entrepreneurs, I keep them on track towards their goals, giving them energy, focus, motivation and the freedom to enjoy their life.