Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence “In looking at ways to influence and change our surroundings it is helpful to notice where we focus our time and energy. We each have a wide range of concerns–our health, our family, problems at work, the national debt, etc., and it is these things in our lives that make up our Circle of Concern. As we look at those things within our Circle of Concern, it becomes apparent that there are some things over which we have no real control and others that we can do something about. We could identify those concerns in the latter group by circumscribing them in a smaller Circle of Influence. (excerpted from Habit 1: Be Proactive, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey) In our daily lives, we often find ourselves worrying about things that are beyond our control. We may worry about the weather, the traffic, or the decisions made by others. This is a natural human tendency, but it can be detrimental to our mental health and overall wellbeing. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence and how understanding these circles can help us lead a more fulfilling life. The Circle of Concern is the set of things that we worry about, but over which we have no control. This circle includes events and circumstances that are beyond our influence, such as the economy, the actions of others, or natural disasters. These things may be important, but they are also largely outside of our control, and worrying about them can lead to stress and anxiety. On the other hand, the Circle of Influence is the set of things that we can control or influence. This circle includes things such as our thoughts, our actions, and our attitudes. These are the things that we can change or improve, and focusing on them can help us feel more empowered and in control of our lives. The key to living a more fulfilling life is to focus on the Circle of Influence and to minimize our time and energy spent on the Circle of Concern. By doing so, we can reduce our stress and anxiety and increase our sense of personal power and agency. Here are a few tips for shifting your focus from the Circle of Concern to the Circle of Influence: Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. By focusing on the here and now, we can become more aware of our thoughts and feelings and learn to let go of worries that are outside of our control. Take action: Rather than worrying about things that you cannot control, focus on the things that you can. Take action to improve your own life, and focus on making positive changes that will have a real impact. Cultivate gratitude: Gratitude is the practice of appreciating the good things in life. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can shift your perspective and reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about things that are beyond your control. Surround yourself with positive influences: Seek out people and environments that are positive and supportive. This will help you maintain a positive outlook and keep you focused on the things that you can control. In conclusion, the Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence is a powerful concept that can help us lead a more fulfilling life. By focusing on the things that we can control and letting go of worries that are beyond our influence, we can reduce our stress and anxiety and increase our sense of personal power and agency.